Hmmmm...
Firstly, to state the obvious, everyone will miss Vesh. I think he's one of the most interesting characters in the entire game. His "story" and relationships with all the other characters makes for such an interesting, compelling read. In that regard, I really enjoy playing off him in Zieke's reactions and thoughts. He inspires me to keep going, both to observe his story and to work on enhancing Zieke's...
Having said that, though, this game is really just escapism from our real lives. And though it's lots of fun and gives everyone a chance to exercise their creativity, it's obvious that real-life goes on regardless of what we do here. So it can't be ignored. And if John feels like he needs to devote his attention to it, I say that's the right thing for him to do. No question. And anything I can do to support you, I'll do.
As for JSL's request to put the game on hold on for a few weeks so he can adjust to this turn of events, I'm okay with that. There's enough developments coming up in your own lives (i.e., the new baby, your workload, etc.) that I think I'd rather see you devote your energy to all of that rather than become burned out with trying to juggle it all just to keep the game moving.
Now that doesn't mean I'm okay with seeing the game permanently end. I'm enjoying this adventure more than any other I'm playing right now...whether it's another online game or my bi-weekly tabletop group. There's just enough going on for everyone right now that I think it's advisable that we take a pause. Then, once everyone's recharged, start it back up...with JSL all the more prepared to blow our socks off.
In addition, I haven't really said much about my life currently. But I too have a lot going on. Nothing as major as what the rest of you are probably facing. But I've got a writing deadline of Oct. 1st for Kobold Quarterly. I've got some major contracts I'm negotiating at work. And there's always two small children (ages 2 and 3) to focus on when I get home. This bit of downtime will likely enable me to get my writing assignment off my plate and wrap-up a couple of those contracts. And I assume the rest of you will get a chance to polish off a few things in your real-life as well.
So, the timing of all this is actually pretty good. We've all made a lot of progress story-wise in the game. We're at a logical stopping point for just such a break. And our creative batteries haven't run so low that we're running out of gas or enthusiasm for finishing the adventure. If we were ever going to put the game on temporary hiatus, now would be the time.
Just my two-cents,
--Neil
John and Vesh,
First off, I can tell you that Salome will not take this well. Part of how she introduces herself is to say that everyone she loved has been taken from her. And this is just going to reinforce that. Like Salome, I, too, have had to say an inordinate number of good-byes in the past year (including a couple dozen next week as I leave my current site). But this is one I was not expecting.
I get very attached to my brothers, the four I grew up with and the many I have collected over the years, including those of you playing this game (DM excepted of course). I have immensely enjoyed playing and posting with all of you this year. But I have to admit, it was Vesh who, on more than one occasion, moved me to tears.
John, please, please, take care of yourself and the people who love and need you most right now. If and when you can return, you will be most welcome, but right now, I think your priorities are in the right place. Do what you need to do to put your life -- your real life -- in order.
As for Vesh, maybe in his time of darkness, he'll run into Garjjan De -- he has a knack for showing up at just the right moment to heal people -- when he rejoins the party Vesh might be able to direct Salome on the next step of her journey as well.
Until we meet again, God bless. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Dreamer
Wow. I knew that Sant@ was a bright spot, but I guess it's true, you don't always realize what you have until it's gone. ;)
Safe to say, you will obviously be welcomed back by one and all John, should that time come around. Until then, Dreamer is right. RL family is the most important thing any of us is lucky enough to have. (A fact I have blurred more than once in my own life!) You most definitely have your head, and your heart, in the right place.
I repeat, Good luck, Godspeed, and God Bless,
JSL & crew,
Re: 'Full speed ahead' or 'a hiatus' -
Well, obviously I'm always for full speed ahead! BUT,...
As I have, and will probably continue to be, a cause of several of the hiccups/slowdowns in this and my other games, I completely understand about RL issues taking up 'fun time' (I can't even remember the last time I played a game on my PC, I think it was NWN, maybe last December?!?)
So, if a Hiatus is called for, I will see you all when it ends, but I also wish to affirm my complete enjoyment and dedication to this game. Not only this adventure, but continuing through the entire series if possible! If JSL gets bogged down with all the upcoming RL fun (and yes, at the start, even diapers are fun!) ;P perhaps one, or several, of us could take up the mantle. At least for one shots during Hiatuses?
(On a side note, I have thought for the past year that I wanted to introduce JSL to my friend Tiny. But I'm afraid now that getting THOSE two minds together in the same room, even in cyberspace, might result in a catastrophic cacophony of creativity!) :D
Tell me if I'm wrong, but (PREsuming the willingness, and ability/time/etc. to do it), it seems like 1 AP to 1 year seems like a realistic possibility?
Anyhoo, (Started this note 2 hours ago, sidetracked by work,... Ding Dang RL!) It seems like we are all committed, (Or maybe that should be committed! Or is that just me?!?) to this game, so I don't think that taking a break when needed will end this collection of pages anytime soon!
Just let me know what you need, and when, I promise an slightly off-center mage will be there ready to go when you are! (Maybe I'll actually get him updated now! ;P)
Laters,...
I agree with JSL that we should focus on the 4experience so SJ@ can move on to more important things.
As for RotRL, I think it would be wise to set an actual date to resume for everyone to mark on their calendars -- so we all know when to reconvene and no one gets discouraged and drops out due to an indefinite wait.
In the meantime, it sounds like there are characters to update, equipment to gather, and clues to put together in game life and deadlines to meet and people to take care of in real life.
I hope this serves as a reminder to everyone to keep their lives in balance. In my work, all too often I see what happens when priorities get out of whack. Time is so fleeting and, like Rags said, you don't know what you have until it's gone -- and by then it's too late. Hug your kids a little tighter and devote a little more time to your significant others. The payoff is far greater than imaginary platinum pieces! :)
,... At least this time I have competent staff, not the McN00b who screwed up the last one so bad. He had the roof deflection at 2 miles! Moron. ,...
Too say the least!
I'm really little more than a glorified stagehand, (Most days not all that glorified!) And I know better than that! Sheesh! ;PNo worries JSL~, just let us know, we'll do the rest! ;D
And Good Luck to both you and Dreamer in advance! Quite the exciting time you two have coming up!
Stressful,... but exciting!!! ;)
Laters~
P.S.~ Iiiiiii'mmmm BAaaaaaack! (Online, at home that is!) ;)
Wow, sorry to hear that you're leaving us John. You will be missed, both in character and out of character. I hope that your RL issues can be resolved well.
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I'd like to say, right off the bat, that I don't want to drag this out in any way, gratuitous or otherwise. Once I've written this, the matter can be dropped as far as I'm concerned, and life can proceed apace.
I only want to write to say that I am so appreciative of the things that all of you wrote in response to my post. I find it hard to express in a meaningful way, but I really am thankful. Thank you for your understanding and very kind, very tender words.
Hopefully, by omitting specifics, I did not paint too bleak a picture of my current state in RL. There are some very serious (mostly personal) issues that I need to deal with, that's true. These issues will be life-changing in a positive way, eventually, but in no way are they life threatening to me or my family...or anyone else for that matter. Again, I thank you for your support in this, and echo the truth that both Dreamer and Rags underlined above. Love those around you as best and as selflessly as possible, and never fear to be truly known by them.
A couple of side notes to some things that have come up here and on the 4Experience thread. I do not grudgingly continue the 4E thread in any way--I am happy to do so, and it seems both appropriate and manageable. As I said over there, I don't mind the metagaming (in fact, it is quite helpful), but don't quit role-playing as we roll-play. When we're done with the hobgoblins, I'll bow out for a time. The thread can die, or one of you is more than welcome to pick up where I leave off and carry on with the AP (such as it is as written).
As for Vesh, I'm am happy that my writing moved many of you. That confirms a great many things that I have been too afraid to recognize about myself. Specifically, that I enjoy writing, that others respond to my writing, and that I'm too fearful to write (other than in a PbP game). Thank you, as well, for the open invitation to return to this thread. I may take you up on that one day (I hope it's still going strong), but I truly feel--in my heart--that Vesh's time for this game and this medium has come to an end. There are other characters that I'd be happy to play and explore, none more than Loiosha (Vesh's sister), but Vesh will live on in another project that I want to start.
And, no, I'm not talking about making our adventures into a short story. Your characters are your IP, not mine. Vesh might go on in another setting, however. We'll see. My hope is that one day, when you least expect it, Vesh will appear in a short story anthology that you pick up at Barnes and Noble while you're sipping your Latte and juggling your kids. Hopefully, you'll smile and tell your kids, "I knew him when..."
You have my love and respect. Thank you for giving me yours.
I really do need an armour upgrade but don't know how to go about it...
I wouldn't mind having the kukri (equivalent to a frost weapon?). Also, I'm remembering that there was a way to 'buy' feats. Am I remembering this correctly, and if so, how much would that cost?
I wouldn't mind having the kukri (equivalent to a frost weapon?). Also, I'm remembering that there was a way to 'buy' feats. Am I remembering this correctly, and if so, how much would that cost?
If [b]I'm remembering this correctly, (JSL will correct me i'm sure) I believe that it was 1 Craft point per character level for a feat. And only buy 1 feat per level. So, you become a 4th level character, you spend 4 craft points. I believe there was a GP cost too, for training, etc, but I don't remember the specifics, sorry.
I am DEFINITELY building a wand of some sort, just haven't decided on a 'regular' wand, or a 'uses per day' wand.
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I am DEFINITELY building a wand of some sort, just haven't decided on a 'regular' wand, or a 'uses per day' wand.
I'd go for the uses per day one - as it makes for something a little more special, although I also understand the awesomeness behind having a wand you can use as many times per days as you want (until it runs out, of course).
If you go the uses per day option, I think it would need to be something that is useful all the time (like mage armor, or feather fall - something like that).
"The Fellowship is breaking; it has already begun..."
Wow.
First, let me congratulate you both in advance! I keep forgetting that time is flying, and getting REAL close for you two! :)
I've forgotten, or never asked,... is this your all's first? (The chat reads like it is, but I wasn't sure)
JSL~ If you plan on being capable of coherent thought in less than a week after your baby is born, you are either 1)very naive,... OR, 2) simply a MUCH better man than I am! ;P
Seriously, God bless you both in the next couple of weeks, and in the years to come. If you put half as much effort into the baby as I think you have into this thread, you're gonna be a GREAT dad! :)
Just a reminder, I want to make sure that you realize how much I have appreciated and enjoyed this game. I'm sure that sometimes I just plain don't realize how much effort you're putting into it, and never actually SEEING you, I probably don't express that enough,... so,... 'Thanks' again!
From what you've shared about your and Dreamer's professional lives, you were busy to begin with. WIth the baby and all, I also want you to know I appreciate you wanting to finish up the module. And will be happy to take off whatever time you need to allow you to do that.
(Heck, maybe another couple of weeks and I'll FINALLY get around to updating my PbP characters, I have 3 due to lvl up right now!) ;P
As far as the rest, you have obviously fallen for the new system. Cool. The more I play around and actually read it, there are more things that I have found that I like. But I still like 3E and don't plan on giving that up anytime soon either. (Of course, I'm not currently DM'ing either. We'll have to wait and see how THAT affects my judgement!) ;)
From what little i've read about the rest of the Runelord's modules, there seems to be a general consensus following your opinion. Which I suppose is to be expected with a new product release, 'working out the kinks' and all that. I'm going to go ahead and collect through the third AP (And hopefully make time to READ them!) before I make the decision to continue or not. (unless, as I suspect, my pocketbook soon makes that decision FOR me! I THOUGHT I had planned for everything when I bought the blasted house,... mumble grumble,...) Of course, I also have over 30 years worth of D&D material, (If I don't mind updating or converting) and I don't get to play much, so continuing the PAthfinder purchases isn't really that smart of an investment for me personally. And there are other places I could use the money more wisely. (WHo knew that Home insurance in Louisiana NOW comes with a 'Hurricane Clause'? Which says that if you lose roof shingles or other damage due to a NAMED storm, YOU have to ante up 3% OF THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY before you will see a dime! I'm learning all SORTS of things this month!) ;P
Ah, the discussion threads,... yeah, what can I say? Some people are just dorks. sometimes it does seem like the only reason some people post is to try and ruin what MIGHT accidentally turn out to be an interesting discussion. Meh.
Though to be honest, I'm not really much of 'thread surfer' myself, just don't have either the time or the patience. The only reason I'm on here so much is really the PbP threads. I venture over and browse occasionally, but not much. I have explored the WotC threads twice I think. I was looking for REAL info about 4E, but all I found was a lot of non-informative publicity statements, and a bunch of wild, over-hyped theories based on that same non-information. I gave up and just waited for the release to figure out what was REALLY going on.
But, like you, I also have no use for waste-of-space/time threads that do nothing but berate or belittle others for what seems to be only their own amusement.
I'm going to re-read your last post again, but it seems that it is Paizo that your tired of, and not the playing I take it? I guess what I'm saying/asking is,...
I don't know if it was the great DM'ing, the fortunate combination of players, or the mystical mixture of both, but this thread was the most (game-related) fun that I've had in YEARS.
Are there threads like this set up on other websites? (Again, I don't really look that much), because if so,...
Perhaps you' d like to pick up where you leave off here, or start over again, on another site? If so PLEASE try to let me know! Because I can vouch that I would be VERY interested in continuing to play with you as a Dm, or fellow player. Or both. Whatever works. :)
ANYway, to bring this long-winded post full circle, ...
-Taking a break, cool. See you in a couple of weeks!
-Congrats in advance to JSL & Dreamer!
-If PsionicFox needs any help with the magic system stuff for Neahlah, I think between my notes and Sant@'s 'Campaign rules' thread, I could help him out if needed.
-Update characters , etc.
Stay in touch and let us know how Dreamer (and the little one) are doing!
LAters!
That sums up my feelings entirely, JSL. Minus the babies and tubular walls! :D
Fourth.
We've had some practice. :)
Okaaaay...
...so we reconvene the first week or so of October?
Best of luck with the delivery and everything. My wife and I have two girls of our own and we're looking to have two more. But I have to ask, isn't there a bit of irony that you're on your "4th Edition" of having children now? ;-)
--Neil
I might still be interested in this...if you are willing to DM...
Okaaaay...
Yes. I'd be willing to give a Beguiler a go. It'll be a first for me. And I'd definitely need the rules from the PHB II...though I may be able to pick up a cheap copy of it now that a lot of places are selling off old 3.5 stock.
It'll be awhile before any of us are ready for such a game anyway. And it sounds like Santinj@ would opt out for real-life reasons. You, Dreamer, and Rags would form the base. Fabes and Arctaris if they're available/interested. Ideally, I'd want to make sure we had at least 5 players to cover every basic role for the party plus one multi-class/support character. I may even borrow a few optional class rules from Unearthed Arcana to widen the options. And I know a few other players I've met here on the boards that I could invite into the game, if necessary.
--Neil
Hey, don't forget me! I'd be willing to play also!
Ah, yes. And apparently there's also the newly-returned PsiFox to consider as well. :-)
;)
Heheh,... And of course, I am always willing to bite off more than I can chew! So, yeah, if'n we're talking about trading over to CotCT with NSpice, (Doesn't that handle just scream 'POP STAR' to you guys?!?) after we finish up our RotRL with JSL, You can of course count me in!
Hmmm,... So what kind of Caster,... I mean CHARACTER, shall I roll up this time?,... ;)
Wow. 4 Kids. At the same time. Yeah, I'd call that practice! ;)
I have 4 kids, but mine was a combined effort of both current and the ex wife. So I'm only dealing with 2 at a time, and that's plenty!
My UN-BREAKABLE rule, if more are forth coming,... (Always possible, I married a Catholic,...)
Only ONE in diapers at a time! I just don't think I could handle more than that! ;P
Hm. 'Analyzing Tubular Walls',... Is it just me, or did I read properly? You had to get with a programmer to FIX a problem with the program that your using, because it wasn't coming to the correct numbers/conclusion. And you knew this because it wasn't coming up the same answer that YOU did? Which tells me that you had already done a portion of the math involved, and you are secure enough in YOUR work that you knew the program was off. (Slidell, eat your heart out!) ;P
I am constantly amazed by our modern need for programs/technology to do things that we have done for hundreds of years without them. And by how much time we spend (myself included,) making those contraptions or programs work right, when it seems that it would just be quicker to do it ourselves and be done with it! ;P
(This may have NOTHING to do with your actual need to 'examine the shaft walls', which sounds like a job for a machine to me! So If i misunderstood, please disregard the above comment) ;)
ANY-hoo,... taking a break. I have a stage to re-hang the light plot on for a dance show this weekend anyway. Maybe I'll actually get some work done today. ;)
Dreamer, JSL, Good luck! Keep us informed when the newest bundle of joy arrives!
Laters~
Wow. 4 Kids. At the same time. Yeah, I'd call that practice! ;)
Not at the same time. They're spaced a couple of years apart from each other. (My home is my very own human development laboratory!)
Hm. 'Analyzing Tubular Walls',... Is it just me, or did I read properly? You had to get with a programmer to FIX a problem with the program that your using, because it wasn't coming to the correct numbers/conclusion. And you knew this because it wasn't coming up the same answer that YOU did? Which tells me that you had already done a portion of the math involved, and you are secure enough in YOUR work that you knew the program was off. (Slidell, eat your heart out!) ;P
Slidell may be the smartest man Ehlissa knows, but JSL's the smartest guy I know (and that's saying something!). :)
Hey,
Am I right, as of this morning JSL & Dreamer have 3 days and counting?
Tick-Tock! ;)
Good luck to you both, we await with great anticipation!
Laters~
Still waiting...
An-ti-ci-PAY-AY-tion! ;-)
--Neil
Hang in there! ;P
SOrry about my sudden disappearance all, RL sorta snuck up and bushwhacked me. Hard. I should be back to (Fairly) normal, if only 1-a-day, posting tomorrow,...
Laters~
Still still waiting...
Random fact: fewer than 20% of babies are actually born on their due date.
Random fact: fewer than 20% of babies are actually born on their due date.
Interesting. My wife was 3 days early with our first...and spot-on with the second.
Still still waiting...
Random fact: fewer than 20% of babies are actually born on their due date.
UNLESS,... They are born by C-section! ;)
(As all 4 of mine have been!)
Sending happy thoughts your way!,...
Hey, added a post.
Just wanted to assure Our DM that it was in NO way meant as a cheat for Sli to find out something he shouldn't know! (It was tempting, but that's not why I wrote it!) ;P
I'm just throwing another log onto the pile of tinder of Sli's mysterious past. And hoping that someday we get a chance to light it!
I actually haven't decided (exactly) where I'm headed with it yet. But I have about 4 scenarios in mind, and the last post should help keep everyone confused, (including me!) until we get to that point!
Meh, Mainly i'm just exercising my writing muscles.
Laters~
...I'm just throwing another log onto the pile of tinder of Sli's mysterious past. And hoping that someday we get a chance to light it!
Is that going to ever be possible, given that JSL has indicated he'll be closing off the game at the end of "Burnt Offerings"...? How much time between now and the end-game will Sli really have to explore his mysterious past? This next phase will be the grand finale, right?
--Neil
Um,... Yeah, Right.
I Knew that!
(Consarned short-term memory!,...)
Meh, I'm still having fun anyway! ;)
No baby yet. Which means I'm at work and my bosses have taken the opportunity to load me dowm with more thankless tasks. Oh, and the guy who was helping me on two large jobs quit/was forced out last week. But Mr. 2 miles of roof deflection still has a job. Go figure.
Dude,... That is SO wrong!
<Makes sign of the cross> Hang in there, BOTH of you! We're just waiting for the GOOD news! :)
Baby?
She kept us waiting an extra week, but our fouth addition arrived at 9:30 Saturday morning, just 3 1/2 hours after we arrived at the hospital. (Thanks to all those who wished us a speedy delivery!) Weighing in at 8 lbs. even and 20 inches long, she's my smallest so far. Smiles when falling asleep. Welcomed by proud big brothers (6 1/2 and 4 1/2) and excited big sister (age 2) who likes giving "kitheth."
We got home yesterday evening. I'm sore as to be expected and tired, but fine.
She kept us waiting an extra week, but our fouth addition arrived at 9:30 Saturday morning...
Congrats and well wishes...
I'm going to be home a lot for the next few weeks, and I'm very good at typing one-handed (had a lot of practice in grad school), so I think I should be able to post at least once a day now. (I don't know what JSL's availability is.)
Has anyone seen or heard from PsiFox or Arctaris recently? They haven't checked in for a while...
,...our fouth addition arrived at 9:30 Saturday morning,...
CON-Gratz! Happy news!
I know the parents are as proud as the siblings! ;)Wishing you as speedy a recovery as you had a delivery! :)
Looking forward to the 'Slidell-worthy' post(s)!
You just give the word, and I'll be ready to jump back in!
(Hm, I guess this means I should actually DO my updating now, doesn't it?!?) ;P
I haven't seen Psi or Arc in a bit, but I think that Arc is still posting on his other threads. I'll poke around a bit when I get a chance and see.
Congrats again! See you both back soon!
Laters!,...
I'm going to be home a lot for the next few weeks, and I'm very good at typing one-handed (had a lot of practice in grad school), so I think I should be able to post at least once a day now. (I don't know what JSL's availability is.)
I'll see if I can put something together later today or this evening then. Nothing that moves the action along, though. This will be intraparty roleplay only until JSL says he's ready to continue.
Has anyone seen or heard from PsiFox or Arctaris recently? They haven't checked in for a while...
No idea on Psi. But Arctaris is actively posting in his other game threads.
--Neil
Congrats, Dreamer.