After the day I had today, and seeing things piling up on my desk faster than I can get through them, I'm starting to fear that I may not even be able to return in the near future. Despite an amazing holiday in Quebec, I'm already feeling ragged from excessive overtime, with no end in sight. As a result, my energy is low, and I presently don't even have any enthusiasm for gaming (that should tell you something). My promotion a few months back has become a curse as much as a blessing... hence, I've begun to search for jobs elsewhere, with the hope that they'll enable me to restore a sense of normalcy to my life.
So if you'd be so kind as to park my character, I'll hopefully be able to return some day, when time and my energy levels permit...
My apologies for the disappointment, and thanks all for your understanding...
hmmm - that's bad news! I'd be disappointed to see Keildrithe leave the campaign, especially if it were for good! What think you Mothman - can you npc Keildrithe in the meantime?
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Yeah, I understand that real life needs to take priority (sometimes!). But it would be a pity for Keildrithe to leave the game.
It's a bit difficult to know what to do with Keildrithe (and Kajetan too, given that Utak shows no signs of returning soon, but hasn't said he's leaving the game either). I don't want to write them out if there's a reasonable chance you guys will be back to play them, but I don't want to NPC them indefinately either.
I think for now they will both stay in the background (or be somehow out of the action).
Ah ... work can suck sometimes, can't it?
Yeah I've invested far more into Keildrithe than I have into any other character, and I've really enjoyed gaming with you guys... so it's not like I want to leave. We'll keep our fingers crossed... hopefully things won't remain as bad as they presently seem (or I'll be able to find a solution sooner rather than later). But in the meantime, yeah, work really does suck... big time...
On a brighter note, Ash, all the best to you and your wife!
Hi guys,
I'm going to be away on vacation from November 5th to the 24th. I will likely have Internet at least sporadically, but I think it would probably be best to consider Nicolai out of commission for that time.
To be honest, I'm starting to think I should take a break from PbP in general. This is definitely my favourite game, and I really like the players and DMing style, but the truth is I'm starting to view the game a bit more as an obligation rather than as a fun diversion.
I completely understand that other things take priority over PbP, but I have to admit that the slow pace and absent PCs has contributed to me losing interest a little bit. I certainly don't want to make a decision for Mothman about whether the game should continue, but I wanted bring this up in case other people are feeling the same way.
I haven't made any firm decision about staying in the game or leaving. I just thought it would be best to let everyone know in advance that I'm leaning towards taking a break at least for three weeks, and possibly longer.
Jon
I think I may be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Job interview tomorrow... and even if I don't get the new job, all proposals associated with my current job should be in by the 24th of October, new staff hired, etc., so life should become a bit more balanced. I'll keep my fingers crossed and will keep you posted...
Thanks for your patience, all... and Jon, I'm sorry if I've contributed to your disillusionment. Hopefully we can make the game "fun" rather than an obligation again.
On the other hand... maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for everyone to take a break during Jon's absence, and to start afresh in late November? Despite the hell I've been through workwise, I do think the PbP absence was in some ways good... I was feeling like Jon there for a while, but I really want to play now!!!
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I do not mind if we give it a rest or not, I shall go with the flow.
Personally I do occasionally find pbp games a bit of an obligation but my enjoyment generally far outways that. I find that I have good weeks when I'm not that busy and bad weeks when I struggle to find the time.
However I am coming off a three day adventure at my home which has kept me busy writing and preparing and the like for the last month. My own monthly campaign is on a break until December 5th due to one player going to Mexico for an extended vacation. So I guess that in a while my enthusiasm will return in spades when I get over the last weekend and find myself without a table top game.
Cheers
Alright, I'm all caught up on the in-game thread... the non-spoilered part of it, anyway.
I may have a few days between now and the 24th when I'm unable to post, but overall things are looking good...
So Mothman...
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Yeah, I havent been thrilled with the pace of the game lately. The slow pace is probably largely to do with various absences and busy periods people have had, but is also partly my doing – I’ve thrown a lot at you in these last two game days (several months worth of play), have given you a ticking clock and thrown various (sometimes unnecessary) obstacles at you. I need to move the pace up.
I haven’t exactly been growing sick of the game, but I have been very busy over the past month or so, and this reflects in me not having as much time to post at work and being too tired to do so when I get home … exasperated by the fact of the slow pace. Several times over the past few weeks I have been disheartened by the lack of posts when I do make an effort to check the game … which has made me less likely to make the effort to check.
SO. I intend to try to pick up the pace of the game (in terms of story telling – in terms of posts I can’t promise – I’ll likely be busy for a few more weeks yet). Having said that, if people want to take a break, I’m happy to do that. I usually prefer not to – I find it somewhat wrecks the momentum, but at the moment the momentum is not great, so if a few weeks break will revitalize people, Im all for it. Lets put it to a vote. Also, if anyone does feel they want to drop out, that’s cool, these things happen. Just let me know. But I think this is a good group, and if we can all rediscover our energy, I think we’ll have a good game. I still have a lot of stories to tell with this group, and your help.
And Twiceborn, glad to have you back – Im glad things are calming down for you. I’m planning to work up a post for Keildrithe today if I can, and get the group back together.
I vote for no break.
However I do not mind a break that much, especially if people expect any major disruptions in the next few weeks.
Cheers
I'd prefer to continue without a break, but if you need to take a break, than a break's cool with me.
I haven't been posting as much either, but hopefully I can pick up my posting a little.
On the topic, don't expect a lot from me Thursday-Saturday. I work heavily on those days and have limited internet access. I might find time to post once or twice, but don't expect a lot of activity from me on those days.
You put it perfectly Mothman.
I also agree that a break tends to kill momentum and gets people in the habit of not posting, but I feel like I need to take a break to coincide with my vacation in November.
I guess I vote for the game to continue in my absence without a break. I really don't know how I will feel after not playing for 3 weeks. I might be really gung-ho about getting back into it, or that I just don't have the time. I wouldn't want the game to be put on pause on my account when there's a chance I won't come back.
The pace has partly slowed on account of myself as well, for which I apologise. Busy at work and with the baby at home has made posting a little difficult at times.
However, I seem to be finding a bit more time, so I vote to continue without a break. Like others have said, this is a great story, with a great bunch of players (and DM!) and, while it may lag at times and get a little frustrating, it's still well worth the effort.
Experience:
Alton:
Keildrithe:
Laithe:
Pharris:
Nicolai:
If that’s enough for anyone to level, go ahead and do so now.
And I finally see the light... At last, I have finished printing the last of those damned funding proposals that had taken over my life these past few months. Win or lose, it's all done (and I'll be optimistic... I think I'll win)... Now I might see a semblance of balance returning to my life (and with that, somewhat better spirits)!
My apologies for derailing the game as long as I did...
If that’s enough for anyone to level, go ahead and do so now.
Hmmm... did we also gain XPs during the past couple of months, while I was away? Because if not, the most recent award does not bring me anywhere close to level 4 (which is fine by me, but I just want to make sure that I didn't miss anything).
Hey everybody,
I want to apologize for going AWOL like I did. My computer got fried a few months back caused by some nasty storms. While I was fighting with the insurance company to help replace my laptop, I also got involved with a local conservation group. The storms caused some damage to a local plant and there was concern of run-off into the local river and watershed. After work, I spent most of my time creating riparian barriers and volunteering however I could to protect the river and its fragile eco-system. To add fuel to the fire, I have also been helping campaign for my candidate in our important upcoming election.
About two weeks ago, I finally got up and running with my new laptop and find time to make a post.
I feel really bad for disappearing and leaving the game the way I did. Until recently, I only had FW's email and contacted him accordingly. Excuses aside though, you have all been really great friends and I apoligize to you all.
My life has changed alot in the last few months, and my time near a computer has drastically decreased. Thank you for the opportunity to play in this excellent game. I will hold fond memories for the rest of my life.
Good luck and take care.
Utak
Reading back on our in-game posts, I think FW deserves the award for best and most consistent roleplayer... Pharris is an awesome character (and if I'm not mistaken, FW is a bloke, right?)!
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Reading back on our in-game posts, I think FW deserves the award for best and most consistent roleplayer... Pharris is an awesome character (and if I'm not mistaken, FW is a bloke, right?)!
I'm quite sure he is!
I'll have an update as soon as I can manage it guys. Busy couple of days at work, so it was game updates yesterday and discussion thread updates today - but I hope to get a chance to update to the game thread this afternoon sometime as well.
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Thanks Twiceborn.
Not feeling awesome at the moment since I just ditched my two DM'ed games. It's all about the group and Pharris needs the others to make her come alive. Especially that sweet piece of bard, Keildrithe.
I rarely play female characters but the community is mature enough for me to give it a good go.
Now that Kajetan is definitely an NPC, is your plan to stick with us or recruit, Mothman?
Ta
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I don’t know, what do you guys think?
Assuming that Jon decides to stick with the game we have five, which I think is quite a good number, and we have most of our bases covered to at least some degree in regards to the various character archetypes.
If we do recruit another, I’d probably prefer to wait until Kajetan is written out one way or another (which I feel more comfortable doing now that I’ve heard from Utak and it doesn’t seem like he’ll be back). But again, I’d value your feedback – its your game.
I don’t know, what do you guys think?
Assuming that Jon decides to stick with the game we have five, which I think is quite a good number, and we have most of our bases covered to at least some degree in regards to the various character archetypes.
If we do recruit another, I’d probably prefer to wait until Kajetan is written out one way or another (which I feel more comfortable doing now that I’ve heard from Utak and it doesn’t seem like he’ll be back). But again, I’d value your feedback – its your game.
Five players seems perfect, IMO. The more players, the slower the game (generally speaking), and the higher the risk of people going AWOL. Yeah, I know, who am I to speak of such things...
Five players is what I consider an ideal group size, so I'd be happy to just stick with what we have now.
Hey guys,
Mothman, thanks for NPCing Nicolai for a few days. Today's the last day of my vacation but I'm afraid I have some bad news. I think I need to take a break from the game, and from PbP in general.
I've really enjoyed playing. I love your DMing style and the players are great as well. I just find that it has become an obligation to post every day and I feel like I need a break from that sort of commitment.
I think I need a fairly extensive, indefinite break so it would probably be best to either write Nicolai out of the adventure, give him to another player, or take him on as an NPC. Perhaps he goes off on his own to find Stefan and never returns?
I've had fun playing with you all and hope that the adventure continues for a long time despite my absence.
Jon
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Hey guys,
Mothman, thanks for NPCing Nicolai for a few days. Today's the last day of my vacation but I'm afraid I have some bad news. I think I need to take a break from the game, and from PbP in general.
I've really enjoyed playing. I love your DMing style and the players are great as well. I just find that it has become an obligation to post every day and I feel like I need a break from that sort of commitment.
I think I need a fairly extensive, indefinite break so it would probably be best to either write Nicolai out of the adventure, give him to another player, or take him on as an NPC. Perhaps he goes off on his own to find Stefan and never returns?
I've had fun playing with you all and hope that the adventure continues for a long time despite my absence.
Jon
Hey man, I'm sorry to hear it, but you have to do what you feel is best for you. I appreciate you being upfront about it.
So ... hmmm ... what to do with Nicolai ...
Hey man, I'm sorry to hear it, but you have to do what you feel is best for you. I appreciate you being upfront about it.So ... hmmm ... what to do with Nicolai ...
Sorry to see you go, Jon. You were a great and consistent roleplayer. Take care, and enjoy your break!
As for Nicolai... do what you feel is right for you, Mothman.
Hey guys,
Sorry, I seem to be hitting another busy stretch... may not be able to post until next weekend or so. Sorry about the inconvenience...
Alright guys, I’ve put out a call around the place for players who might be interested in taking over Kajetan and/or Nicolai, and so far I’ve had three people interested; so welcome Ragadolf, Radavel and All DMs Are Evil.
Now, as you’ve no doubt noticed, we have three potential players and only two characters. I’ll let you guys sort out who wants to be in (keeping in mind that I prefer players who will be enthusiastic about the game and be able to post every day or two on average). If that is all three of you I think we can work something out for a third character, but I definitely prefer for Kajetan and Nicolai to find new owners as a priority. Another option is that my Age of Worms game could probably handle another player. The game’s not as advanced as Age of Darkness, the posting rate tends to be a little slower, but there would be more scope to create your own character.
If you’ve been reading the game thread (for Age of Darkness), Kajetan first makes an appearance around page 39 (as ‘A Mysterious Stranger), whilst Nicolai shows up at the top of page 57.
The current Nicolai is here and Kajetan is here. They can either be used as is, or tweaked, customised, or rebuilt.
Obviously, talk to me about any changes you’re planning on making. Nicolai is a sorcerer, whilst Kajetan is a variant sorcerer that we made up (scholarly sorcerer, gets 6 skill points per level, all knowledge skills are class skills, but spell progression is as sorcerer one level lower, and he gets no familiar). Either or both could potentially be rebuilt as some other type of arcanist.
Some house rules (that are relevant to spell casters); all spellcasters that can cast 0 level spells get bonus 0 level spells / day equal to their relevant ability modifier. Sorcerers get a bonus feat at first level, either a bloodline feat or metamagic. Wizards can scribe spells into their spellbook at 1/10th the cost listed in the phb.
So … let me know what character you like, and whether you want to make any changes.
Mothman, I am very interested in taking one of the players over and have been avidly reading the whole thread for the past few days. I have just got to chapter 2, which is the start of page 48. When I started reading I didn't realise I was in April 2007, wow this sign up has been going for ages. Full credit to you and the players for keeping it alive and so well written for so long.
I am able to post every day, in fact I tend to wear out my browser trying to poke an update on the other PBPs I am in.
My first problem is I am not going to be here for a big chunk of December, I am away from the 19th until the 27th and I am also away for New Year, this is not finalised, but is probably going to be 3-4 days maximum starting on the 29th or 30th. So basically you can scratch me out for the Christmas period.
Also, when do you guys tend to post GMT time? I am in the UK and have the browser open most days on and off from 10am to 1am, if your regular update times are different from that then you should rule me out, if they are between 10am and 6pm GMT time then I am uber active then. I'll probably be able to work out the times you are active from this post, once it starts giving an actual time and not 1 minute ago, it is 2.21am here.
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ADMAE, don’t worry about being away during the xmas period – my access will also be spotty during parts of that period, and I will have little to no access from about the 26th through to the 2nd. Not a problem.
As for update times … it varies. In Z-Day, you and I seem to post about the same time, so I don’t see it as an issue. Ash and I are in Oz, Arcataris is in the US, Twiceborn in Canada and French Wolf in the UK, so we’re all over the place. It works out. (It’s almost 1.30pm here in Sydney for reference)
Mothman,
I am also interested in picking up one of your guys. I have read the first few pages, but Haven't gotten NEAR as far as ADMAE. I need to catch up! :)
From what I have read, you have a good group of players who are interested in telling a fun story. And your DM'ing style seems to be very user-friendly as well. I would love to be a part of that! (This?!?) ;P
The fact that your 2 available NPC's just happen to be casters,... Icing on the cake!
I will be happy to let you decide which of the 3 applicants get to pick the NPC's and jump in. IF you ca work in all three of us, great! IF not, whatever makes the game more fun!
I will start playing catch up on your story, and take a look at both NPC's and tell you which one I would like to play if possible.
Thanks for the opportunity,
ANd PLayers, keep up the good work! ;)
Laters,...
EDIT- Nicolai would be my first choice. A good background and well-rounded character.
Kajetan will be a real challenge for whoever plays him. A sorcerer with NO offensive spells! A librarian-caster! It would be an interesting challenge.
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Ragadolf, noted. IIRC you prefer wizards to sorcerers; it hasn’t been clearly established yet in-game exactly what type of arcane casters these two are, so I could handle them being changed to wizards.
Yeah, Kajetan’s original player was finding him a challenge to play, particularly in combats; that’s when we came up with the idea for the scholar-sorcerer variant. I would not mind seeing him re-imagined with at least one or two combat oriented spells, although his scholarly nature and lack of offensive magic is well established – I don’t want to deviate too far from that.
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Mothman, seeing as there are three applicants and two characters up for grabs, I'd like to help you and bow out in favor of All DM and Ragadolf.
For Mothman** spoiler omitted **
Noted. Rags, DMs, you guys in?
Rad:
One question; how would you feel about playing a kobold in this game? Nothing definate yet, just a question ...
Actually, when I did get to play table-top, I tended towards Sorcerers. Can't say as to WHY i've been gravitating towards Wiz so much lately, other than I've been DYING to get into the 'Ultimate Magus' PRC! :)
With a Sor I always aim for the lofty goal of 'Archmage' PrC! (All those abilities, fueled by spell slots that Sorcerers have so many of to spare? Count me in!)
So, yes, a Sor will be fine, Thank you. ;)
With a Sor I tend to pick 'theme spells' as I climb levels, (which fits nicely with a bloodline!) Like the Polymorph line, Or ELectricity, or fire,... Hmmm,... with the deva bloodline,... (thinking,...) ;D
Cool! New players to fill old shoes, but in their own way... welcome!!! And wow... I can't believe that some of you intend to read through the full 70 some pages of posts! Now that's dedication!
Welcome Rags and All DMs are Evil, it's a pleasure to have some fresh blood.
Nicolai's flamboyance would definitely go with Rags and his flair for the dramatic. All DMs are Evil, we haven't played together before but as a fellow Brit I hope you get on well with my bird, Pharris. Then your character can bounce things off her, so to speak.
Cheers