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Oh, great the DM who's killed more of my PCs than everyone else put together! ;-P
You called?
I decided to start reading one chunk of the adventure at a time, so I can play if Mal comes back.
I will probably actually have a post up within the next 24 hours, probably much less.
Just to let you all know, I am a more traditional DM than Mal, with all of you rolling your own initiative, and battle-maps if I can get them together.
Hello, all.
Well, obviously, I'm back. And, I'm pretty much okay. I've been following things here for a couple of days now, actually, but it's been hard for me to post, because I'm not sure how to explain my absence. I'm going to try, though, without getting into too much detail. I've actually started typing this post and then scrapping the whole thing a few times now. But, here goes...
First, let me sincerely apologize. I know it stinks to have people disappear from PBP games...especially the DM. It's hard to justify not giving any notice (although I'm about to try). But really, I know it makes you all wonder what's going on. Is the game dying? Is he okay? Not cool, I know, and I do appreciate those who expressed concern for me.
So, here's the thing. I have some issues with depression and anxiety. Most of the time, life is peachy. But there are times when things get hectic and stressful (and life does that), and the wheels just sort of fall off. I manage to still go through the regular motions (work, family stuff), but I find during those times that I just can't handle anything else. And I know that I should just post and say 'Guys, I need a few days,' but I always hope that it will pass quickly, and I'll be able to pick things up without a problem. But then, I start feeling bad because the game is stalled, people are wondering what's going on...and it stresses me out more, and becomes a vicious spiral. And the next thing I know, it's been two weeks, and I wonder where the time went, and I feel better and miss my games. That's the short version, and it's probably pretty difficult to understand if you don't know someone who deals with this sort of thing.
I want to say that I really appreciate everyone who decided to jump in and pick up the reigns of the games. So, Scribbling Rambler, Xaaon, Shisumo, thank you so much for not leaving all my wonderful players hanging. This is really a great community.
For today, it's really tempting to say that I'm ready to pick up the games again, and start posting. Because, I feel up to doing that...today. But, I just don't know if I can make that commitment, knowing myself as I do. Because, it will happen again. It always does. How will I feel tomorrow, or next week, or next month?
But I miss my games, I like DMing in this format, and I think I'm even passably good at it. So what to do? I think, for now, if you all don't mind, I'll just watch things unfold with the new DMs. Maybe I can even weigh in from time to time with a comment, or maybe there could even be a way for me to contribute with maps or some sort of co-DM position? I don't know.
I would enjoy discussing this with everyone, I know that much. What do you all think?
Hey Mal, just glad to know that you're alright. One of the drawbacks to communicating with avatars is that you never know what's happening with someone in RL, or how to find out.
Take whatever time that you need, and I am more than happy to turn things back over to you whenever, and for however long, that you want. If you take over again for a while, and need a break again, just leave a note here, or email me at
I know a bit about what's coming up, but it sure won't stop me from having fun playing!
Hey, thanks for posting the update. I'm glad that you're ok, and trust me, I understand completely what kind of things you're going through. I think I mentioned a bit back that I went through something very similar earlier this year, and my PbP that I was DMing for suffered because of it too. I guess I'm glad that you understand where your priorities are, and when things get too overwhelming, you let less important things like the games slide until you're back on your feet again.
As for my opinion to what we should do now, I vote that Mal takes back over and does his best while he's feeling good (it is his game, and I love what he's started), and we now have a plan B in place should we ever need it again.
Mal, I'm glad you're okay, and I do understand what you go through. Don't think I'd ever hold it against you, because I wouldn't. You've been a great DM, and I hope I get to play with you again.
EDIT: Ninja'd by the count. I echo his sentiments. Run it when you can, take a break when you need, and if you need more time we can manage.
Guys, thank you all so much for your words of support and understanding. For now, I'd be most pleased if Rambler would go ahead and finish up the present encounter, and then there's a good chance I'll be ready and able to take back over. Rambler, I may e-mail you tomorrow with some specific thoughts regarding this.
And, having just checked over the last page of posts more thoroughly, I noted that I'm not the only one to have gone through hard times recently. Dryder, hang in there, I'm thinking of you.
Apologies for the temporary threadjack. Rambler, your tiefling friend needs to crawl out of an earthquake zone.
Malvoisin, please accept my very best wishes. You have a hard road there that I think many of us will recognise and understand. I've been following along with this game and it looks so much fun.
Threadjack ends.
Heya Malv, hadn't noticed this posting til today...as you know I'm not much of a Discussion board watcher...whenever you feel up to taking over, let me know...
Marrala the Lost is probably my favorite character ever, and I just couldn't let that game die off...
When you come back, if there's ever a time when you need a break, let me know and I'll take over...
**Warning: grotesque dog photo in link!**
This picture has been circulating the Paizo boards for a long time. I'm laying money that it is the inspiration for the appearance of the pugwampi.
**Warning: grotesque dog photo in link!**
This picture has been circulating the Paizo boards for a long time. I'm laying money that it is the inspiration for the appearance of the pugwampi.
There is quite the resemblance there, isn't there? Ick.
Mal, glad you're back with us. You're far too good of a DM to give up just on the premise that you might fail again. Eagerly awaiting the interactions between our guide and paladin!
Ok, I know that's not really the intended purpose of the spell, but from the description it becomes drowsy and inattentive, so a lullaby might work here at least to calm it down, right? I also checked, it's about the only one of my spells that affects any living creature, not just humanoids.
I'm sure that's true, but I was totally prepared to allow the Lullaby to calm Rombard down, just on principle (because I thought it was a clever idea).
Of course, the dice had other ideas, so...that was the end of that. Sorry, Count.
Ok, I know that's not really the intended purpose of the spell, but from the description it becomes drowsy and inattentive, so a lullaby might work here at least to calm it down, right? I also checked, it's about the only one of my spells that affects any living creature, not just humanoids.I'm sure that's true, but I was totally prepared to allow the Lullaby to calm Rombard down, just on principle (because I thought it was a clever idea).
Of course, the dice had other ideas, so...that was the end of that. Sorry, Count.
Cursed blasted 19 on a will save! Well...I might have one more trick up my sleeve...
