The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge: Explore, Report, Cooperate!

Game Master Redelia

The gameplay thread is intended (and should be used for) announcing new games, so ultimately just announce them however is most convenient for you. It's just meant to be an easy way to get players and an easy way for players to find your game, as adding the Flaxseed Lodge to your Campaigns tab is easier than monitoring the recruitment page constantly.[/list]

Except I need to wade through umpteen IC posts to find game announcements. I personally find that system to be cumbersome at best, and frustrating at worst.

The gameplay thread is intended (and should be used for) announcing new games, so ultimately just announce them however is most convenient for you. It's just meant to be an easy way to get players and an easy way for players to find your game, as adding the Flaxseed Lodge to your Campaigns tab is easier than monitoring the recruitment page constantly.[/list]

I think the bolded bit is key. The gameplay thread is a place to announce new games, and an enjoyable pattern of GM's doing so in character has emerged, which makes it more fun than 'Need 6 players to go to the Blakros Museum.' But I'd agree with GreySector, that RP for the sake of RP in that thread does make it harder to find game announcements.

EndlessForms wrote:

The gameplay thread is intended (and should be used for) announcing new games, so ultimately just announce them however is most convenient for you. It's just meant to be an easy way to get players and an easy way for players to find your game, as adding the Flaxseed Lodge to your Campaigns tab is easier than monitoring the recruitment page constantly.[/list]

Except I need to wade through umpteen IC posts to find game announcements. I personally find that system to be cumbersome at best, and frustrating at worst.

I agree. It's great that people like playing their characters, but I think roleplaying without some other reason for posting (even if it's just "Yay, I got into game X!") should be kept to a minimum.

If we have so many people who want to have a thread for in character, purpose-less role playing, then why don't we make a thread for it? I have mentioned my favorite pathfinder's tavern vanity, "The Laughing Lizard", multiple times as it is a large part of his backstory. Why not make a campaign for it, much like the Flaxseed Lodge, but instead of focusing on recruitment, it takes the role of a place for characters to roleplay, ask questions, and maybe every now and then recruit, so that the Flaxseed Lodge unclutters with roleplay posts?

Or we could just use the Gameplay thread for off topic character chatter, and the recruitment thread for game announcements and actual recruitment.

I'm a fan of Fromper's suggestion, since we literally have three different threads here that are all currently being used for recruitment/game postings to some extent... do we really need to make a different campaign for people to be able to enjoy IC PFS-char chatter?

Recruitment could be: nothing but direct game announcements/recruitment... as per its name

Discussion could be: some overlap with recruitment, and for asking and clarifying things OOCly, like PFS rules, or people who are new to PBP asking how things work, etc

Leaving gameplay for primarily IC chatter, and occasional IC announcement of games, with those games being also posted in Recruitment so the people who really are here just for the announcements and don't care about the chatter don't have to worry they're missing anything.

/my two cents

That is the more simple option, and honestly one that I support wholly. It just seemed that there several people who wanted IC chatter gone completely, so I offered them a solution. I would much rather have everything in one place, so we don't have to dot three different campaigns to find games.

The issue with changing the 'rules' is that you'd be changing the rules on page 9 (this section) or 73 (gameplay). There's so much set-in comfort level with things the way they are. A bit of "IC v. OC" in-jokes (both IC and OC, of course) every few pages isn't a significant enough drawback to change things, is it?

A request if things do get changed: New threads ought to be started. Ones that have any new guidelines front and center, page 1.

I'm sure EndlessForms could update the Campaign Info tab. No one looks at Page 1 anyway, I imagine.

My request would be that both Recruitment and Gameplay be in-character. The former for in-character recruiting, the latter for in-character chatter.

That said, the current arrangement works just fine for me so I don't care if it is unchanged.

The old rogue sits in the corner of the tavern and listens in to the hearty debate taking place before chiming in his bit form the corner -

"Tavern has to have some sense of day to day order, indeed, otherwise it can be hard to work out how to get along" he takes a sip from his ale before continuing "though I'd point out the tavern is just where one picks up likely fellows for a bit of dark dark work, and not to be confused as anything more than a meeting point. Now if you got so much time for talking you have to make rules about it, then I'd suggest you spend far too much time sitting around in it, and not enough time talking in crypts, on ships, in forgotten ruins, or in combat with Aspis bastards"

He turns away for a moment then looks back to continue "Perhaps, just perhaps, the problem is there's a lot of hands but not enough masterminds from the Society recruiting parties, those Masters of Gamery, so perhaps when one or two deviate from your preferred manner of speech you might wonder carefully if rubbing them the wrong way with your rules might have them finding a different tavern as a result, then all you'll be doing is sitting around a tavern wondering where the work is. Your priorities aren't their priorities. They can't be ambiguous as a lot of people can't read subtlety, get then get confused, didn't know it was work, and flat out get lost in banter, then complain like angry wives they didn't get in on the job - likewise those Masters of Gamery have the same issue with needing to know whether you are just bleating hot air or grabbing your sword, do they have four members or five? No they want you to cut to the chase and give firm answers in a clear and concise manner"

"So that's my coppers from the sideline, think carefully about chipping those Masters who do come here for the benefit of putting you in work, talk amongst yourselves how you like, but I'd be currying their favour a little by just seeing past the usual protocols"

He goes back to drinking.

The lady with the mask nods to the old rogue. "I've been doing most of my recruiting for missions outside this lodge. I wanted to come here, meet people, and see what the culture is like. I wanted to know whether it would be a friendly place where I could find a few good people."

"No, I'm not recruiting for a current mission. I still have a team in the field, though I expect a report of success from them soon. I run one mission at a time, and I give it my all. My groups go in well-briefed and have fast and well-organized runs." She pauses. "I just wanted to know if this was a place that I could not only find competent pathfinders, but also a team who could work well with me."

She looks at Shifty and shrugs. "Not every recruiter is a good fit for every team. I might be a bit too whimsical for this tavern, which might prefer more serious and business-minded type of recruiter." She looks thoughtful as she sips her drink. "And that, too, is good information to know."

She shakes hands with Shifty and says, "I hope to see you again, though. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"I know how it is, best to get a feel of the talent you'll be working with when assembling a team, makes it easier to pick the right ones for the job at hand - whether they have the fit for the diplomatic runs we get from time to time, or whether they are just hard people with hard steel and hard faces best suited for wielding against the Aspis like a mailed fist - all have their uses"

"Good fortune for you and your teams in the field, I've filled a bunch of boats for a journey to Absalom to witness a few historic events, and as wel know, historic events have a way of going awry - so I've packed eighty of the hardiest spell slingers, deity blessed, cutpurses, and swords-for-hire I can find and shipped 'em in with fifteen good and true Masters to guide 'em, it's an army we've raised, and in the coming months I can see us raising many more full ships crews just like it, no doubt I'll be seeing you aboard soon enough"

The old rogue shakes the womans hand firmly and with respect "Mutual"

The Medium size dragon sits in for a spell - not an oddity of a Pathfinder recruiter apparently - he still sits and drinks ale with the rest of them.

"I've just started filling boats for journeys for aspiring Pathfinders, but so far this lodge does not fail to provide. I have many agents out of them, many of the battle ready and hardened at their Core, while others pack a more Classic approach to a mission. No where near as impressive a fleet at our rogue here has been assembling, of course."

He turns to the lady in the mask as she leaves. "Perhaps things started off on the wrong claw here." The dragon shakes his head. "Foot I mean. I guess all I'm trying to really say is that we take all types here. As a person - well dragon - new to these parts, I can say that the agents here have always been welcoming of my recruitment style. Perhaps you too will eventually find your niche in this community. For me, I will sit on my parties of agents - not literally of course - until they complete their tasks and then when a new task comes along I will recruit more. Because you see, it's not only lively in this tavern, but it's also a good crop of people to choose from. Not to be cliche, but they are indeed 'good people.'"

Having finished his speech, the dragon shakes his head. "Forgive my rambling. I just mean to say, one recruiter to another, that I welcome you here, and I am sure the agents feel much the same way. But if you find it does not fit your needs, then by all means pull from those taverns you trust most. Your instincts are your best guide."

"At least that's the best advice a young dragon has to offer."

The lady in the mask smiles genuinely. "Perhaps we did start on the wrong claw." She turns back to the rogue and the dragon and then laughs. "I'm not planning to flounce out, never to return. But I may take my time quietly studying the place, and seeing how missions are filled."

She turns back to Shifty. "Should you lose a manager for one of the fifteen boats and need someone to fill in at the last minute, even mid-mission, you should know that I finish what I start. Please consider me if you need someone to keep your people active and supported in the field."

She offers a small hand to the dragon, and says, "I'm glad this lodge accomodates all types, and I hope to work with all of you someday, whether on a mission with many coordinated teams or on a small, tight run."

A halfling dashes into the lodge, as fast as her little feet can carry her.
Whew! I need to buy a riding dog or something! Hey you all, I'm here on behalf of Kel! One of the Pathfinders recruited for his mission can't make it, and we need another experienced member immediately! Who wants in?

Ok, due to a player drop, I have one spot open in my classic 8-9 game of the Year of the Shadow Lodge Special. Any takers? I have an empty wait list so we'll go first come first serve.

"After my last venture, I wasn't sure if I had any more left in me. But when duty calls, I will answer!"

I responded in the recruitment thread as well. My timing must be uncanny - I had just checked back in for something else and here a place opened up!

That was fast! Spot is now filled. I saw, and already posted there with the link to the game. Thanks Oswin!

Well, hell. Good hunting.

Posting this here as well.

Venture-Captain Gallard Stormeye, a tall powerfully built Ulfen man with a wild look in his eye and clad in worn red dragon-plate armor, enters the lodge bearing a clipboard in his weathered hands.

"It's going to be a damn long week alright", he grumbles as he looks over the document. "I'm lookin' for available pathfinder agents. Lots of 'em!"

So begins my push to five stars! If you're looking for a game (and can follow my simple rules) sign up here.

Posting this here as well.

Venture-Captain Gallard Stormeye, a tall powerfully built Ulfen man with a wild look in his eye and clad in worn red dragon-plate armor, enters the lodge bearing a clipboard in his weathered hands.

"It's going to be a damn long week alright", he grumbles as he looks over the document. "I'm lookin' for available pathfinder agents. Lots of 'em!"

So begins my push to five stars! If you're looking for a game (and can follow my simple rules) sign up here.

I just saw the one active recruitment but I did second the request for #4-17.

Feel free to add something else to the wishlist. I've probably seen 20+ people come and go through the document throughout the day but only a couple actually added scenarios to the wishlist.

Feel free to add something else to the wishlist. I've probably seen 20+ people come and go through the document throughout the day but only a couple actually added scenarios to the wishlist.

I was going to make some requests, but I'm unable to meet your fast paced posting schedule... Which might be the case for some others as well. Otherwise I've got quite a few for my investigator.

I was going to make some requests, but I'm unable to meet your fast paced posting schedule... Which might be the case for some others as well.

You got my hopes up when I read that, but only 1x day :p I believe it was GM Feral who set a record of a scenario done via PbP in around 6 hours. I think I need to slow my post rate...

(Missed ya Feral! Glad to see you back, what you still need for 5*?)

Gallard Stormeye wrote:

Feel free to add something else to the wishlist. I've probably seen 20+ people come and go through the document throughout the day but only a couple actually added scenarios to the wishlist.

I was going to make some requests, but I'm unable to meet your fast paced posting schedule... Which might be the case for some others as well. Otherwise I've got quite a few for my investigator.

Same. There are a couple days a week, I can't get to a keyboard until very late.

(Missed ya Feral! Glad to see you back, what you still need for 5*?)

<3

I need another 15 or so and then I'll be focusing exclusively on specials/exclusives for the home stretch.

I will gladly meet your post rate, but am away from the 10th-17th so will sign up after!

I need another 15 or so and then I'll be focusing exclusively on specials/exclusives for the home stretch.

Mate I'm in the same boat - the specials are a significant barrier.

The only thing you can run in PbP is the multi tables, or Serpents Rise- luckily the upcoming Serpents Ire is also valid but there will be a few of us spamming when it hits.

That 5th star is all gravy, but the Specials count is a barrier, oh and needing a VL or VC in one of your last five games is also a thing, its not written anywhere, we learnt the hard way it's a rule.

I figured as much. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

We're waiting on a check in from you in Mantis's Prey!

Reposting:

"I'm looking for agents familiar with the Mierani Forest. Some rapport with Sheila Heidmarch wouldn't hurt too."

RyckyRych, qwerty1971, Tarondor/Karos Valdian, NN959, and GM AArvid check in here for Tower of the Ironwood Watch. Vahanian you're an alternate if someone flakes out.

GM Aarvid can't join us so you're in Vahanian.

So this is actually of interest to me - who is looking specifically for specials for 5 stars? I'd like to get a list going if at all possible for online planning stuff.

I'm nowhere near five stars, but I'm starting to try to collect my specials now.

Hmm

Count me in. I'm still 14 or so normal games off but I'd like to start getting some specials in.

I suspect I will have 10 specials before I even get close to 5 stars. Of the 20 tables I've GMed so far, 3 have been specials.

I'd be interested in getting some specials in at some point.

The only special you can currently run on PbP is Serpents Rise, which requires 4 stars to run. Outside that, you have the Multi-tables.

*You can also run True Dragons, but that takes 5* so that defeats the purpose :p

You can do the bonekeeps as VTT games. That's actually really tempting.

That's also true, but PbP... no such joy :)

I'm sure we could do it in PBP if we maintained the timing requirement.

That said, I don't how many of you guys could handle my 4 hour PBP PFS scenarios. =P

I agree with you in spirit Feral, and love your work, but the Gods are not responsive to our cries on this one, and have come down with a firm nay.

4 hour PbP PFS scenarios, I could happily go there :) I recall your first one that I saw on the boards - you guys were posting faster than Viagra spammers.

Heh. Provided that it was at a time that I could feasibly handle (given that I am based on the East Coast of Australia), I would certainly be up for giving it a shot, Feral :-P

I could do that most days... just a couple of times a week I wouldn't be able to keep up with such a pace.

I could see doing a game mostly in google slides as a VTT and just using the forums for dice rolls.

Yes, the Feral speed is legendary! I can definitely hang with posting daily, but if it's going into overdrive, I would need to know when everyone will be active... Honestly, in those cases, it seems more like a VTT game than a PbP!

Do VTT games require that everyone be present for the entirety of play? I've not yet tried anything like that. Seems like it would be just as fraught with mishaps as trying to coordinate a weekly campaign with your local players...

I've played several games via Roll20, it works pretty well when the DM has the prep work done.

I'm not fond of Roll20. If I run a VTT game I'd prefer to just do everything inside google slides.

Roll20 is great if everyone is playing from a computer. As soon as someone is playing from a phone it is not viable.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Roll20 is great if everyone is playing from a computer. As soon as someone is playing from a phone it is not viable.

this is so true, i'm running a gurps story via skype and using Roll20 for dice and combat placement alone, but we've got a player who posts from their phone/tablet so I have to roll for them and all that jazz.

I'm typically the phone/Ipad poster, and Roll20 is a real pain for me when that's the case.

So this is actually of interest to me - who is looking specifically for specials for 5 stars? I'd like to get a list going if at all possible for online planning stuff.

I've already passed the 150 game requirement, but I've only got one special under my belt so far. I am gming in the Year of the Shadowlodge pbp event though, so thanks Shifty!