By definition, this game prevents me from doing other things I could otherwise be doing. So, all that matters is whether my enjoyment of this game outweighs potential enjoyment (or personal benefits) gained from other stuff I could be doing. If the scale veers too far in one direction then I won't hesitate to drop this in favor of other hobbies. Right now, I gain far more enjoyment playing video games than I do running this game, and they require far less effort also.
As for Ary, not b&@%&ing incessantly the moment things don't go your way is one thing you could endeavor to do. If you are not having fun with how the game is run as is, please quit.
Unrelated, after this fight I'll be using the RAW for pinhole gambit. Anevia and Valeria can choose a different gambit to replace it for free if that is preferential to them, since you selected it pre-errata.
Alright. I apologize for being a problem for you. Please remove me from the game.
I'm sorry, I didn't have an idea your enjoyment running the game had decreased.
Yeah, that sucks to hear, I mean, I don't always write great things, but I do try to write stuff that you will enjoy reading. Also, I had no idea either. Should we discuss this more so we get a better idea of what's going on in general? Are there other things that bother you that you haven't mentioned? Or even things that you think decreased in quality and you would like us to improve? I mean, from my perspective, this is a team effort, we get great GMing, you can expect great playing and similarly great OOC from us.
Well, Ary it isn't just you, it's more of the constant stream of whining coming from basically all of you at nearly all times (except Celticwarrior and mahorfeus, you two are too pure and good for this world). So I've been feeling this way for hmmmmm at least a month and a half now, I'm not super sure when it started. But I did realize recently that out of the stuff I am excited to do with my free time, this game doesn't actually register on the list, it is more something I just do anyway, like pay my credit card bill at best and actively dread it at worst.
I'd rather have you in the game (assuming you change your behavior) than not, but if that isn't possible or if the way I run encounters or arbitrate isn't fun for you anymore then I agree leaving is the best. Please confirm your decision either way and I'll start looking for a replacement.
Yeah, that sucks to hear, I mean, I don't always write great things, but I do try to write stuff that you will enjoy reading. Also, I had no idea either. Should we discuss this more so we get a better idea of what's going on in general? Are there other things that bother you that you haven't mentioned? Or even things that you think decreased in quality and you would like us to improve? I mean, from my perspective, this is a team effort, we get great GMing, you can expect great playing and similarly great OOC from us.
Oh I agree with you, and don't worry, I won't make a rash decision, since it could be a slump. If I was prone to rash decisions, I would have given up a long time ago.
I will not stay in a place where someone tells me 'shut up or leave .'
I will not stay in a place where my concerns are written off as inflammatory. Where my opinions are just me being a munchkin. Where someone I thought was my friend, at some point, started thinking that I just b$~+! Everytime something doesn't go my way. I will not stay where I am dismissed to the point that I no longer feel like you view me as a human, but instead as a responsibility.
If the way you reacted to me asking what I could do to help improve the situation is any indication, the game is better for having lost me.
I'm sorry to have burdened you so.
I'm sorry that you feel dismissed, and I could have used kinder language. But it's not like this is the only thing you brought up and it's just a one off I'm challenging you on. First it was over whether or not you can subvert action economy with your scale, then drama over enforcing the errata that happened like 2 years ago but I never noticed until now, then randomly this which I guess is about the encounter previous to this one because it's not relevant to the situation at all. So yes it's been quite the string of complaints.
And I'm not saying "shut up or leave" it's "if you ask for a clarification and you get it and still don't like it, don't argue". You asked me to make it a house rule. I said I wouldn't (and offered explanation why), so everything you said after that was just you picking an argument for arguments' sake. What exactly did you hope to get out of that conversation? Did you really think restating what you already said a different way would be persuasive?
But ultimately you should do what's best for you. I've sincerely enjoyed having you as a player and I'm sorry to see you go. If you change your mind, let me know. I don't really want to send pms looking for a new pc until I myself decide that this game in general is something that will give me joy again rather than just work anyway.
I do not care about the balance concerns. I've said frequently that I trust you. I said expressly that I would do whatever you wanted and it was just my opinion on the matter.
I care about the tone. The word choice. The lashing out. I care that when another player had a concern the reaction was to help find a solution. But that when I had one the reaction was 'stop b!%*&ing'. That the word choices that you immediately went to were so derogatory. That you took a small disagreement and turned it into 'stop b*~%!ing or leave'. That you chose to attack me as a person rather than pointing out the situation. That you chose to, after doing both of those things say 'im thinking about ending the game anyway.' and then that you added another Nerf onto the end of that as punctuation.
You've been a wonderful dm, but the unbridled animosity of the last few reactions to me tell me that you don't want me to stay and view me as a problem that needs correcting.
And maybe I deserve that. Maybe I've earned it. Lord knows I'm neurotic about how much I complain, but my only solution for that is to no longer be a part of discussions. To sit out. To no longer be part of that. Just please don't pretend this is a balance concern. Because it's the way you just treated me.
This might sound silly, but maybe taking a few hours to take what is going on in perspective would be helpful?
I explicitly responded to your reasoning with counterarguments. I was discussing my opinion. Yes. I did think if you disageeed and I made a good point that you would change your mind. Because that is how discussion works.
I suspect a big chunk of the way Kiora is feeling about the game right now is because I got into a big argument with her about game mechanics a week ago during the start of the hag combat.
I sincerely apologize to Kiora and the group for making the game less fun for her, that's my fault, and if anyone should pay a price for that, it's me.
So... please don't leave Ary, and Kiora please don't give up the game. Step back and each take a deep breath. I would feel absolutely horrible if either of those things happened, and I think you're both dealing with a bunch of work related stuff on top of everything that's turned this into a powder keg.
Maybe I didn't make myself clear? You asked how you could help make it better for me. The answer to that is to stop arguing. I am not interested in arguing or "discussing" rulings. If I want a players opinion about something, I'll ask, but otherwise you're just giving unsolicited advice.
The tone was unwarranted and I apologize for that.
So if you are uninterested in a game where you don't give input as to how the game is run from a mechanical standpoint then yeah this is not the right game for you. For example, I have further adjustments (mostly nerfs some clarifications)) coming to all of the other path of war styles soon, and I won't really be accepting discussion about those either, just free retraining. Otherwise, I'm fine with chalking it up to a disagreement, as long as you understand that I am putting my mental health first before your desire to argue about things. You are correct in that I view this as a behavior that needs to be corrected, otherwise I simply will not want to continue running this game and I will absolutely take action before it gets there as I am already close to that point as we speak.
Please let us know as soon as you've made your decision. If us arguing about mechanics or complaining that encounters are too hard is really the line between you wanting to do the game and not wanting to do the game, of course I will change that.
In the meantime, the next few days are gonna be busy for me, if I'm doing what I should be doing. Please, if the combat continues, bot me.
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I wish you would confide in us about these things, Kiora. Not even a week ago, we were talking about the future of this game relative to our real lives. Were you feeling this way then? I feel like we could have talked it out without a confrontational tone. Instead, from out of the blue, you tell us that this game of almost four years has failed to give you joy for over a month and that you're a hair's breadth from dropping it. It feels like a threat, an ultimatum, even if you don't mean it to.
I understand your frustration, but I cannot help but feel hurt. This game is near and dear to me - to all of us, I'm sure. But between hearing about all the things you would rather be doing with your free time, and the uncertainty behind whether anything we post from here on out even matters, I would be lying if I said that I'm feeling as confident in this game's future as I did before.
That said, I am on board for as long as you will have us. I hope that we can spark joy for you again soon. If not, well, it would be nice if we can all still be friends, at least.
Ehren said it amazingly well, but I do feel the need to add a bit...
I really do appreciate you apologizing for the way you reacted to me. I understand that your'e deeply frustrated and that it wasn't all meant to target me, and I appreciate that you went out of your way to acknowledge both that it was unfair to belittle me so much and to single me out. The apology was all that I needed to feel like I could be okay in the group again.
I'll endeavor to do as you asked, because I consider you a friend and I don't want to add undue stress.
Great, happy to still have you on board!
I'll consider whether or not I'll want to keep it going and will let you know when I have a decision. I'm not really the sort of person who likes to sit around and gripe or throw pity parties, I'd rather take action about the things that bother me.
I was called in to cover for a manager's illness so I will not be posting until later tonight, sorry about the delay. I was too tired to last night.
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I wasn't really expecting that kind of decision to take place.... But, if it has reached that point, I guess it needs to be done.
So, in the meanwhile and in the event the game goes on, I wanted to write that a few things concerning what has been under discussion on discord (want it here because I can more easily find it). So, one of the main points is the decreased importance of inter PC interactions. I do think that it has decreased, but I also think that a lot of the momentum was from before I came in. We have indeed been relying more and more on Kiora for it.
However, I think there is a solution to that problem, it is setting inter character goals. The most obvious for me was deciding that Hinagiku was so filled with her Mother's feelings that they became her own and led her to think of Ehren as a possible romantic pursuit. Recently we discussed something similar, albeit I don't remember what about on discord. I think discussing these things can help us work toward them as a team and let less hook pass us by.
Regarding game balance, I think that an interesting solution was brought up on discord, namely the idea of mentioning that something is too powerful and that maybe it might be a bad idea to take it. Obviously, it is not an obvious solution since it's basically telling someone their choices are bad ones.
Being the best, well, it's nice but we can also find our niches. I am thinking of adding lots of diplomacy to Hinagiku to help turn enemies. And, I am convinced this will not overstep Isilme's approach, because she is more about convincing high-ranking people or group of individuals, a wholly different thing.
I try to interact as much as possible with other PCs in the past, but I find that my posting rate limits me to a few people. It's not ideal, but I try to do my best.
I particularly enjoy the romance with Ehren's it's been fun, but also the interaction with Xanderghul. (And trying to redeem him, cause yes, someone does want that. Note, Hinagiku prefers Xanderghul over Markus, so do I.) I am still waiting for him to talk about the book he's read though, that's why I haven't forced any scenes recently.
Also, Hinagiku likes Valaria, respects her fighting style and fighting by her side (I always try do denote that when it happens as a reminder of the fight around silvershore).
The least close are probably Isilme and Ary.... it's been a while since I wrote something aimed at them. But Hinagiku still feels close to them. Maybe we should try to build something around that to make it stand out more.
Note: maybe adding ooc notes to denote motives more would help a bit, I don't always notice people's hooks.
PS. Sorry for the mistakes, it's late and I have a lot of things to do with my parents around. It's super fun though, we visited a lot of places.
EDIT: PPS How did Ary interact with Hinagiku during the march to Drezen, you mentioned it Hotaru, but I can't recall.
I actually don't think I've approached Daisy much. I think it's only been small interactions, like finding out that 'Hina' isn't a good nickname, or about your wound. Despite being the only two lawful good 'crusaders' in the party, the two just don't really do much together or interact much. It's really strange!
I think most of our RP has been 'Daisy noticed something and brought it to Ary's attention.', which means that it's mostly me dropping the ball on our interactions.
Nah, that's just how she is. Ary's the boss, and so must be respected and looked at. That's why Hinagiku keeps telling Ary stuff and looking at her for what to do.
Just a reminder that Troll #1 took full damage, not half.
Ehren, please check in and clarify what you want to do with the cyclops' turn since Yuzu was KO'd. He can continue to wail on her body if you want, up to you.
Ary could pre-roll at this point since there's just confused trolls in-between this group of PCs and you.
If the trolls are dead from Ehren's KERSPLOSIONS, Ary will double move up to the right of Isilme.
If either is not dead, she'll move over and prioritize stabbing Yuzu first, then RANDOTROLL second.
Variska's strikes and resources are tracked in her header spoiler marked "resources". Her current stance is also there.
I believe I do not need botting any more.
Gotcha! Thanks!
Alright, I have been trying to figure out how to improve inter PC RP, and as I mentioned in discord I think one solution is to rethink our backgrounds to add those months as if we were starting a new game (although, I did not say it like that). Specifically, things happened that influence the way our characters interact, just like when we make characters for a game and assume they already know each other.
So, i want to put forward a few things that might have happened that could color a bit Hinagiku's relationship with each character. It is totally up for discussion and I won't assume anything happened without explicit agreement. Of course, any of your suggestions would be appreciated!!!
Ehren : Done. We have plenty to work on.
Ary : Before leaving for the front, Hinagiku could have given meditation tips to Ary and then sent koan's for Ary to reflect on. Two letters per week maybe. Maybe Ary relies a bit on it to calm herself, or maybe she feels guilty about just putting them in another pile. And Hinagiku, now back, could slowly notice a distance or more closeness.
Valaria : Impression that Hinagiku is way too much about trying to take control after a long walk accompanying the prisoners and attempting to discourage the attempts that Xanerghul made to convince them that they were free to do anything they wanted, when Hinagiku believed they would totally go to jail at least for a time.
Xanderghul : See above for Valaria. She's probably sent words to enquire about him while she was at the front to try to "subtly" remind him to care about his soul. Of course it followed her approach to most problems which is gentle and slow. But, he is smart enough to notice it, I think, and maybe get annoyed by it.
Isilme : I don't know to be honest. I know that Hinagiku is bothered that Isilme executed one of the cultist captain in Drezen... but I don't think she would have talked about it yet.
Sorry about the delay, was out basically all day yesterday! Will be able to post later.
I forgot to mention, I'm fine with the blindfold fluff, Hinagiku :)
Rule of cool strikes again ;) Thanks
Xanderghul -
You couldn't have cast reach-vanish on Valaria because you couldn't see her from where you were standing.
Do you want to move down the stairs to do so? If so, please move your token and post in gameplay.
Otherwise, Valaria should not assume she is invisible.
Before we return to town and rest, what do we know specifically about how the negative levels work?
Is there a specific time when we can use magic/buffs to improve the chance of succeeding on the saves? What kind of time period do the buffs need to be up for to qualify? When exactly does it happen?
Before we return to town and rest, what do we know specifically about how the negative levels work?
Is there a specific time when we can use magic/buffs to improve the chance of succeeding on the saves? What kind of time period do the buffs need to be up for to qualify? When exactly does it happen?
Sorry about the delay, I'm working pretty heavily the next few days, so responses will be a little far apart.
For simplicity's sake I usually have you guys roll saves against diseases/negative levels/curses in the morning after a full rest.
I'd be fine with you guys using magic/buffs to up the chance of succeeding on the saves, it'd be RPd as the ailing person sleeping in (so the 'healer' has time to prep spells), then having the buffs cast as they woke up. So it'd be ruined in a situation that something ended up disturbing your sleep (which could force you to save earlier), but in the relative safety of your base it'd be trivial to pull off.
I'm not comfortable with aid another on those saves, though technically RAW it is permissible. I think because I can't think of a mundane way someone would aid that save.
I forgot to mention yesterday because I was so busy, but happy anniversary everyone! I treasure and am grateful for the time we’ve spent together on this game so far, please don’t forget that :)
Wow, 4 years already, this is crazy! Happy anniversary us!
Can Anevia steal the curses off of Xander, or negative levels off of Isilme for a MP?
Presently, we plan to have Ary Rally when everyone else wakes up for the curse. (This means she'll just be rolling without any buffs against the curse)
We were going to heroism Isilme, but my pennon just works on the bearer.
That leaves us deathwarding her and then Ary Rallying for her as well, so she has a higher chance of not getting wrecked by -all- the bad things.
Happy four years :) You guys have been a comforting constant in a long series of changes, so thank you.
Xander can un-curse himself in the morning, even if Anevia can't do anything.
What long-term debuffs do we have right now?
I know we have some CON damage spread around the group right now. We gotta make sure to call some clerics to heal us before we go to bed.
Can Anevia steal the curses off of Xander, or negative levels off of Isilme for a MP?
She can't steal anything that can't normally be dispelled off a person.
Presently, we plan to have Ary Rally when everyone else wakes up for the curse. (This means she'll just be rolling without any buffs against the curse)
We were going to heroism Isilme, but my pennon just works on the bearer.
That leaves us deathwarding her and then Ary Rallying for her as well, so she has a higher chance of not getting wrecked by -all- the bad things.
Sounds good, does anyone else agree, disagree, or have anything to add?
Happy four years :) You guys have been a comforting constant in a long series of changes, so thank you.
Xander can un-curse himself in the morning, even if Anevia can't do anything.
What long-term debuffs do we have right now?
I know we have some CON damage spread around the group right now. We gotta make sure to call some clerics to heal us before we go to bed.
Isilme has 4 negative levels, and Xanderghul has 5 of them.
Ehren has 2 CON damage, Isilme has 2 CON damage, Xanderghul has 4 CON damage, and Ary has 4 CON damage.
Unless I'm mistaken, we only have up to 2nd-level spellcasting available in Drezen, so Ehren will prepare and cast death ward on Isilme himself.
Next week, Isilme and I are vacationing in NYC. I'm bringing my laptop, and naturally there will be wifi, so I don't anticipate a lapse in my ability to post daily. However, my posting will likely be limited to the mornings and evenings as a result. Just giving a heads up!
Sounds nice! Have fun!
Sorry about the lack of posting last night, we walked 25km and I’m in awful shape so I was exhausted... will try to get something up tonight
So what did we decide we were doing for Isilme? I know death ward, but we couldn't do heroism right? Did we have any other buffs?
I think Ary was planning to Rally? That’s all I remember.
Ary was gonna Rally for you as well, so you'd have a higher probability of saving on at least one of the like 10 bajillion saves you've gotta make :p
Have to deal with a lot of catch-up today due to vacation. Will be home late (around 10pm EST) so I'll see if I can post then. Sorry for not getting a reply in within 24 hours... I intend to move the scene forwards to Sesker's Gully with my next post so if there is anything else you guys want to do or if you're not ready for that please let me know. Seems like everyone but Isilme saved against their curses, so only Isilme and Xanderghul are suffering the -2 debuff to ability scores. All other negative levels/con damage/curses were handled.
Hello friends! Worked late today... was hoping to squeeze a post in but now I am exhausted and just need to go to bed. I'll try to get something up in the AM. Will probably start combat, depending on how perception/stealth is going.
Was it intended that Anevia's Resonance Shot's force damage was reduced by 10?
Hmmm, you're right! I'll deduct the HP from Skulgrym.
I need to hold off until Xanderghul makes a move before I make a decision.
Okay thanks fort letting me know, I’ll give you a chance to
Post once he does.