Wow, that's tough. Hope everything turns out all right.
Hope there is nothing seriously wrong. Get well Stormstrider.
Thanks guys! It was just a seriously bad headache. They put me on an IV and gave me 4 different meds through it! They took an EKG and a CT scan just to be sure. I was back home in about ... 4 hrs? or so, feeling MUCH better! And then I slept for almost 4 hrs straight! Considering that was 12 noon to 4 pm ...
I have an appointment already this Tuesday to follow up with my General practitioner doctor and I'll have to get her to refer me to a neurologist so we can get to work seriously on this migraine stuff. ... Which probably means giving up my caffeine addiction ... and definitely trying to get a better/steadier sleep schedule. 4:55 am now ... Why am I sitting at my computer? I been playing on my playstation since about midnight til now?
Just to let everyone know Tamlara let me know, she is working 'til 5pm (ish) today (Eastern time zone) and will hopefully then be posting at some point this evening.
Stormstrider- I think I told you I was having horrid sleep disturbances and cutting my coffee intake from around 10 cups/ day to 3 did a lot towards sorting it out.
Not only was it making it hard to get to sleep the sleep I got was compromised and I was nearly always drowsy. I suggest it is well worth a try.
I also now have a CPEP [?] machine for sleep apnoea. Disruptive at first but I am getting used to it.
Moving from gameplay:
In another game we just finished an encounter against skeletons in IRON GODS. I'm playing a weak little ratfolk investigator character. My daggers and crossbow didn't do anything so I just went full defense and ran around drawing fire and providing flanks. Worked quite well, actually.
I think this may be a good pausing point in the game for me to ask, how am I doing as DM? Any suggestions for improvement?
PLEASE, keep in mind that I am actually a rather somewhat sensitive guy, so please be kind and sensitive in any criticisms. And criticisms without a suggestion on how to improve the situation, are not helpful in anyway.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Completely wonderful. You are fair, provide great detail so that everyone is aware of all options, and you make great effort to keep everyone involved and "in the spotlight." I wouldn't change a thing. :D Keep up the great work Walker on the storms!
I agree. Campaign is great.
The proof is, as they say, in the pudding.
The frequent post rate and participation level is a very good sign for any game.
Forgive my silence, I just spent nine hours in holiday traffic. :/
Did you make your saving throw Sama?
|
Hi Stormstrider. I am new to this PBP, but I am having a great time. I especially appreciate your attention to detail in making the world immersive—the other players help with this as well. I am trying to be descriptive with BG’s actions as well.
My main frustration is not related to GM-ing. It is just being patient for others to post, especially if the action cannot go forward without them. I am not sure what the answer might be, other than I just need to be more patient. I have read about the “bot” thing, and I know sometimes people delay their action to avoid unnecessary waiting, so those might be things to consider.
The only other thing I can think of is related to the medium of communicating via text. There is a lot of opportunity for misunderstanding, especially when using humor or having a disagreement. I would caution us all to be careful how our posts might be read (or misread) to mean something unintended. Re-word the post if necessary or have a 1on1 discussion with the person to make sure your intent is clear before you hit that post button.
Well said BG! I already knew from knowing you in RL that you are one smart cookie (meant only in any good ways!), but this just goes to help prove it.
And yes, patience is key in PBP.
As well as when stuck in holiday traffic right Sama? Sorry to hear about that. Musta been horrible. Glad you made it through safely though! (Apparently at least!) :D
Speaking of patience, I am feeling very sorry for RL Tamlara having to work all that OT when she doesn't want to be. But it's gotta come in handy for Christmas right?
For anyone wondering, RL's Tamlara, BG and I all used to play at a tabletop game together. I played with Tamlara (and DM'd) for many years. Not quite so long with BG, but a couple years at least I'd say?
The only other thing I can think of is related to the medium of communicating via text. There is a lot of opportunity for misunderstanding, especially when using humor or having a disagreement. I would caution us all to be careful how our posts might be read (or misread) to mean something unintended. Re-word the post if necessary or have a 1on1 discussion with the person to make sure your intent is clear before you hit that post button.
A good point.
Face to face, you have a lot of non-verbal cues which are part of communication. And any misunderstandings will be sorted out in seconds, in PbP it is days.I once seriously offended and hurt someone with a post, not PbP a discussion on this site, with a post that... wasn't talking about him at all. It was a carelessly worded post of mine. I tried to sort it out and apologise but he had banned me.
I also agree that it's easily possible to misunderstand/misread in PBP. It's too bad you had that happen, Boudacia. Some people just react, and don't really want to see it from another perspective. I always try to word things carefully, and try to look at another's post from all angles and/or perspectives before getting upset. After that, I find that temper tantrums work especially well. ;)
On another note:
Stormy, Aldranhhald was exactly right about why Tamlara was 'disgusted'. She really should have been able to do more, if only by being more prepared. No worries, though. She'll get it taken care of one way or another!
Thank you for clarifying Tamlara. I had kinda figured that was it as well, just wanted to be sure.
In all fairness, you did get hired before leaving town, to look into a problem dealing with undead. Is it the DM's fault if no one thought to ask or study about undead and their strengths/weaknesses before leaving town? - And that is a rhetorical question.
I've had an awful day. Apologies again for dragging.
I also agree that it's easily possible to misunderstand/misread in PBP. It's too bad you had that happen, Boudacia. Some people just react, and don't really want to see it from another perspective. I always try to word things carefully, and try to look at another's post from all angles and/or perspectives before getting upset. After that, I find that temper tantrums work especially well. ;)
If temper tantrums don't work there is always mindless violence.
I wasn't the victim in the incident I mentioned. I made a careless post and I can well understand the person taking it the way he did. Sounded like a decent person too. It is long ago now and life goes on.
I've had an awful day. Apologies again for dragging.
I am sorry to hear that Sama. I do hope things get better for ya!
Moved from Gameplay:
How would I handle it as a GM?
Well, it's an untrained check, so only information that could be had with a DC 10 roll would apply. But made the roll easily.
When someone identifies a creature, the first "piece" of information I normally give is the creature type, and that includes traits that are common to all creatures of that type. For undead, off the top of my head that would be:
* healed by negative energy and harmed by positive
* Immune to things that require a Fort save unless it affects objects or is harmless
* Generally immune to mind-affecting, sleep, poison, disease, ability damage and drain, energy drain, fatigue, etc.
So if someone identified a skeleton by just matching the DC, I would tell them this. If someone beat the DC by 5, I would also tell them about the DR/5 bludgeoning and then the immunity to cold if they beat it by 10. Since skeletons are common, the DC to identify a bog-standard skeleton (like the one in the CRB) would be 5, meaning first-level guys with no ranks have a chance to identify them.
Because I would give the above information to someone who identified an undead with an identify DC of 10, I would also give that information to someone who made a general information check about undead with a DC of 10. Someone who actually had ranks in knowledge (religion) I would assume can take 10 and have that information automatically.
This is how I would run it, but if that doesn't work for you don't feel bound by it.
FYI Gansu does have 1 rank in knowledge (religion).
I've had an awful day. Apologies again for dragging.I am sorry to hear that Sama. I do hope things get better for ya!
Well it amused me.
Moved from Gameplay:
How would I handle it as a GM?
Well, it's an untrained check, so only information that could be had with a DC 10 roll would apply. But made the roll easily.
When someone identifies a creature, the first "piece" of information I normally give is the creature type, and that includes traits that are common to all creatures of that type. For undead, off the top of my head that would be:
* healed by negative energy and harmed by positive
* Immune to things that require a Fort save unless it affects objects or is harmless
* Generally immune to mind-affecting, sleep, poison, disease, ability damage and drain, energy drain, fatigue, etc.So if someone identified a skeleton by just matching the DC, I would tell them this. If someone beat the DC by 5, I would also tell them about the DR/5 bludgeoning and then the immunity to cold if they beat it by 10. Since skeletons are common, the DC to identify a bog-standard skeleton (like the one in the CRB) would be 5, meaning first-level guys with no ranks have a chance to identify them.
Because I would give the above information to someone who identified an undead with an identify DC of 10, I would also give that information to someone who made a general information check about undead with a DC of 10. Someone who actually had ranks in knowledge (religion) I would assume can take 10 and have that information automatically.
This is how I would run it, but if that doesn't work for you don't feel bound by it.
FYI Gansu does have 1 rank in knowledge (religion).
This detailed response is enlightening. I never give that much thought to things, and I will be taking some lessons away from your notes here Gansu. I posted in gameplay before I read this, but, if you're all right with it Stormstrider, I'd say the level of detail Gansu has listed here, would be appropriate based off of the mechanics he's referenced.
For the record, I can't take credit for this system. One of my PFS GMs ran it this way and it seemed like a good system so I adopted it myself.
It looks good to me as well. So Aldy, you know everything Gansu mentioned:
* healed by negative energy and harmed by positive
* Immune to things that require a Fort save unless it affects objects or is harmless
* Generally immune to mind-affecting, sleep, poison, disease, ability damage and drain, energy drain, fatigue, etc.
DR/5 bludgeoning and then the immunity to cold for skellies. DR 5/ slashing for fleshies.
Everybody, just so you know where my head is currently at:
First, I got into a car accident yesterday, my fault. No injuries at least. So my new (to me) 2005 Dodge Neon that I just bought about 3 months ago now has a smashed in grill and bent up hood, but still drivable. Two tickets for me, and court date 12/28(?). So I'm upset/frustrated there.
But that is nothing by comparison to the following.
Then today, Thursday 11/30, I get a call from my Sister in Argentina. My Dad (my whole family lives in Argentina) is in the hospital not doing well. Heart Failure. The docs say he could have just days left. He hass been battling this for many years now, and this is about the 4th or 5th time that the docs said days left and then my Dad pulls out of it. But this time they say most of his heart is necrotic (Dead tissue) and he hass less thn 20% of his heart left. The doc said he has never seen a heart in such bad condition. In Argentina they do not embalm the bodies or preserve them in any way. So Burial takes place within 24 hrs of death. Chances of me being able to go and be there in time? EXTREMELY LOW. Not to mention that none of us have the money for a last minute airfare at this time of the year. (Roughly $2,000). I have lived with the knowledge of this moment for many years now. So in a way, I'm ok with it. But, who is ever actually ready for this moment?
Anyways, currently I'm not going anywhere. I will do my best to keep up with things here. Just please be aware and for any prayers, please especially for my Mom. She is having to make decisions about keeping a defibrilator/pacemaker(?) going or turning it off and should they continue with his Dyalisis treatments or not. And I can't be there to offer my support to my Mom.
Ok. stopping this now.
That sounds like an awful start to the holiday season. I hope that matters resolve quickly and with a minimum of fuss.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Very sorry to hear that.
If you need to take a break, don't be shy. We'll be here when you come back.
Very sorry to hear that.
If you need to take a break, don't be shy. We'll be here when you come back.
This! So much this. If this distraction helps you to cope, then please stay with us, but if you need to step away to deal with your family matters, do not hesitate to just leave us hanging. We will wait, and be here whenever you get back.
My prayers are with you.
Thank you folks! For the time being at least, yes, gaming. Keep the mind distracted by feeding the addiction! :D
Stopping doing the things you enjoy when times are bad is often a mistake. And times are more than just bad for Stormstrider.
You would be in my prayers too, except I am an atheist and don't do prayer. You are in my syllogisms does not quite have the same resonance.
Whatever you need, Stormy.
Whatever you need, Stormy.
You know that means a LOT to me coming from you!
And Chillel ... thanks I guess? Just kidding! I do appreciate the kind thoughts!
To all those who were kind enough to give me their support. I just want to let you know, I just got the call a little while ago. My dad went on to his permanent home in heaven this morning. Any support prayers, wishes for my Mother - around 55-56 years of marriage together. It is going to be the most difficult for her.
I have corrected/updated the Initiative list at the top of the page just in case. ... Trying to stay busy. Keep my mind occupied.
Very sorry to hear about your father. I know I would be devastated if mine passed away. I know it will happen eventually, of course.
"Perv" in Australia is slang for looking at someone with sexual interest, like at a woman in a short skirt.
And your response is not accurate.
Firstly it was your idea. And you were suggesting it in the midst of combat, which is ill advised at best. :P
Sorry it took so long, guys. Yesterday and today were my two longest days this week. I'll be supremely happy when we get more help at work.
BG, you're resistant to acid, right? Maybe we can chase the spider out of the hole if we drop acid flasks in there. Might dissolve the web too. Anyone have any?
Heads up friends. I will be embroiled in family Christmas celebrations for the entirety of the weekend and will, with a 99% certainty, not be able to post until Monday morning.
|
|
True enough, Gansu. BG doesn't have any acid on him though (in flasks or otherwise). There is, however, a nice grappling hook and attached rope in the hole up above if someone runs out of things to do and wants to bring down a rope & drop it in the pit. Maybe someone could follow me down into the pit using a more conventional (and safer) method in case this spider proves harder to kill than BG is hoping...
Heads up, All! Stormy has informed me that his internet is out right now. He has a tech coming out at some point, but doesn't know when he'll be back on-line. He asked me to let all of you know. Apologies for any excessive delays.
Heads up friends. I will be embroiled in family Christmas celebrations for the entirety of the weekend and will, with a 99% certainty, not be able to post until Monday morning.
No problem! Looks like a lot is going on, in general. And I, for one, have no acid.
YAY!!!! Internet is back! Oh how I missed you internet! :D
Sorry for my mess-up about the second spider. Please allow me to explain. The module, is based on an average party of 4 characters. Since we have six characters instead, I am trying to increase the CR's or difficulties of the challenge accordingly. In some cases I am increasing HP and in other cases increasing quantity of hostiles, depending on the situation. In this case I added an extra spider, but forgot to include it in the initial initiative, partially on purpose because I wanted it to be a surprise. But then I forgot to activate it when it was supposed to. I apologize. I am also increasing treasures due to the larger party. Since the difficulty does go up by floor, I am going to have to play it by ear, so to say. If I seem to make something too difficult (or too easy) please feel free to express yourselves. I am definitely new to the whole trying to increase CR's thing, so feel free to let me know please.
I of course increase XP as well. :D
Internet and computers. Two of my love/hate relationships.
After my internet was out from Saturday evening to Monday evening, since it's been 'fixed' it has gone out 4 more times in less than 3 hours.
And then my computer decides to try to start running security scans that override whatever I'm doing. I learned. I force the computer off and re-boot. Takes a while but it's faster than waiting out the security scan. ;)
No worries. More XP for me!
Sorry if I was not clear. You got full damage! No DR. It was the hit, you just met the target AC. Spidy SERIOUSLY hurt!