No problem, I jumped the gun a little bit, since I found some time :)
Take your time to get off the bus^^
Sorry guys, I had to do some rearranging of the house and my Internet got screwed up in the process. It's all settled now and I'm about to post.
:)
I'll be making a big loop from Portland, OR to Santa Fe, and then back to Portland through California. We'll be visiting with friends along the way, so it won't be too long. And I just feel guilty because I don't want to slow any games I'm in down :P but yeah, it's pretty silly. It's a little strange feeling legitimately tied to the internet at least once a day.
*Sigh* Man I miss Oregon.
I miss Maine - hey can we all name a state we miss?! :)
In a hurry now-more posts in an hour or so-hey and good morning everyone.
Morning Zyren!
The first two "Heart of XY" campaigns are nearing the 3k post mark *applauds* and the funny thing is - I'm still having fun, heh^^
I liked New Orleans.
5 am, I'm headed to bed.
My favorite state is actually New Hampshire. It has a small coast, but also forty eight four thosand foot mountains that make up the White Mountains. In high school and college I climbed all of them! The state has fabulous memories for me and feels like a playground for the outdoor enthusiast!
Now, no one gets off the bus or what? I know Masschusetts isn't Acapulco, but hey...
Oh we've STARTED, not just posted the Gamethread!?
Sorry, I'm struggling with sickness today. I posted in the HoM now, though - and Nieve is ready in Runes.
@ Shifty:
oh yeah^^
@ Nieve:
Hope you get better soon!
Oh, I should probably mention that I'm Oscar Pine in the CoC game.
By divinational powers and clicking on the name, I found out :)
well, I guess I must miss New Mexico alot because I keep moving back here. green chile, big sunny skies, interesting history and culture, and did i mention green chile?
Yeah, Pretty happy with New Mexico, but I miss the beaches of North Carolina...but not the humidity.
I'm from Washington, and I love Oregon--especially Portland. I haven't spent enough time away from the Northwest to have a place I specifically miss, just places I'd really like to go. Colorado is great, I'll be there for a few days on my trip, and if New Mexico is as good as voodoo says then I'm getting really excited :P
I've never lived in Colorado, but it is always one of my favorite places to visit. I absolutely adore the Rockies.
I just loved the look and feel of New Orleans; the interesting culture, the curious shops, the unusual characters and the voodoo all around. There was nothing like having a big bowl of gumbo and walking the streets listening to the jazz notes pervading the air from numerous establishments - it was like walking down the street to a 1900's soundtrack from cinemas golden age.
Down sides:
The chicks.
I was thinking New Orleans would be full of seductive beauties, from sothern belles to smoking creole femme fatales. It wasn't. I met one hot chick in the time I was there, and she was from Canada.
The black/white attitude-
I was in a bookstore looking for a particular book I had been having a hard time locating, and the bookstore said they had it in their other store, so I asked how to get there. They laughed, then gave me directions (to a bad part of town) but then said I wouldn't want to go there - "Because you're a honky".
Being accosted by a large African American whacko with a bible on the main street looking to pick a punch up "because you're gay" - which was news to me. It got broken up pretty quickly by the locals.
I only found out later that I was near a gay bar.
There were a few other instances that were pretty uncool, but OVERALL I had a corker of a time and would go back.
Being accosted by a large African American whacko with a bible on the main street looking to pick a punch up "because you're gay" - which was news to me. It got broken up pretty quickly by the locals.
I only found out later that I was near a gay bar.
Warned you about dressing fabulously bro! :P
I just loved the look and feel of New Orleans; the interesting culture, the curious shops, the unusual characters and the voodoo all around. There was nothing like having a big bowl of gumbo and walking the streets listening to the jazz notes pervading the air from numerous establishments - it was like walking down the street to a 1900's soundtrack from cinemas golden age.
Down sides:
The chicks.
I was thinking New Orleans would be full of seductive beauties, from sothern belles to smoking creole femme fatales. It wasn't. I met one hot chick in the time I was there, and she was from Canada.The black/white attitude-
I was in a bookstore looking for a particular book I had been having a hard time locating, and the bookstore said they had it in their other store, so I asked how to get there. They laughed, then gave me directions (to a bad part of town) but then said I wouldn't want to go there - "Because you're a honky".Being accosted by a large African American whacko with a bible on the main street looking to pick a punch up "because you're gay" - which was news to me. It got broken up pretty quickly by the locals.
I only found out later that I was near a gay bar.There were a few other instances that were pretty uncool, but OVERALL I had a corker of a time and would go back.
There are so many things that I want to say in response to this, but i can't bring myself to spit them out because I can't quit laughing and shaking my head in wonderment.
Warned you about dressing fabulously bro! :P
Word.
I have always made the effort to dress well and put some pride in appearance. I had no idea that this would be interpreted in some places as PRIDE. The irony is that Sydney is one of the biggest gay capitals of the world, so I know what IS and what ISN'T 'gay'. I think the guy was just looking for a fight and trying out any excuse.
I think he was pretty lucky to get off as lightly as he did.
It's been a long day, I'm off to bed now. I hope everyone has a fantastic day/night.
I just loved the look and feel of New Orleans; the interesting culture, the curious shops, the unusual characters and the voodoo all around.
Down sides:
NOLA was great. I haven't been back since Hurricane K, but i'm sure it's recovered OK. I had a smokin girlfriend (IMO) from New Orleans, but yes she happened to be gay so that didnt last :P
the race thing is kinda crazy to me, too. it's definitely part of the history and culture there, but I've never accepted it.
I happened to be in NOLA once for Southern Pride and that, as so many things in New Orleans, went waaay too far. but again I don't dig the bigotry of the South. that's why I got out- to Arizona ironically- and left there for New Mexico.
Mornin' everyone!
I have also always been a fan of NOLA, but never managed to get there by now...now, I'm not sure if I like Shifty's report or not^^
Well look, I am glad I went, I had a very good time indeed and would certainly go back.
What I wouldn't bother with is getting into the whole Mardi-Gras and tittybar redlight sleaze places - you can get that anywhere in the world and frankly they don't do it very well at all... total timewaste and only leads to trouble. Reckon you'd get MUCH better in Germany if that was your bag.
Instead, take time to wander the interesting streets, historical places, go on a ghost tour and check out the cemetary. Go the whole Vooodoo tour route, eat gators, catfish, and excellent gumbo. Stay AWAY from the horrible deep-fried everything places, and stay away from touristy steakhouses and restaurants, eat at the cafe's the locals eat at. Oh and avoid the beer, its utter garbage, and the cheeze, what the hell is with American cheeze? Monterey Jack is horrible....!
As far as I know, which isn't very much regarding that topic, Germany is pretty much "everything goes" in every city with more than 20k inhabitants regarding the red-light-scene :)
I just wanted to double-check with you, Zyren: according to the skill rules, you can Take 10 with any skill, except Use Magic Device, in any non-strenuous situation.
Do you apply the same rules, or do you have limitations to this? I personally don't permit Take 10 on Knowledge skills, but I thought I should sort it out with you before I start declaring a lot of Take 10s.
I don't like taking ten on knowledge checks either, so I would support your DMing in that case. However, here is a froum discussion exactly to that topic here
Hey I thought it was time for a short questionaire on player satisfaction. You may just answer for one of the campaigns you're in or for multiple campaigns if that's the case.
You may either elaborate on questions or just give 1 (low) to 10 (jhigh) points to indicate your satisfaction
And this is not fishing for compliments, I would rather like to check if all campaigns get the attention they deserve and if everyone of my host of players is content :) - so please be honest^^
In which of Zyren's campaignns do you play atm:
Are you content with the story:
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Where do you see room for impovement?:
Any other comments?
Thx for participating!
In which of Zyren's campaigns do you play atm:
I currently play in Heart of Runes and Heart of Madness. Will answer with mostly HoR in mind.
Are you content with the story:
Yes. I'm a little confused as of what's happened, but blame that on real life being haphazard and not having been motivated constantly. But the journal in your profiles is a boon. 9/10.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
Yes. The players are active, the DM is active. Like above, though, it also is a little confusing for me. 8/10
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
The NPCs are characters, though admittedly I don't quite remember an of them as much as I'd like. If this is a fault of the DM or with me, I'm not sure. A little bit of both, I think. 7/10
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Yes. I think the ratio is splendid. 10/10
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
The maps are very good. Better than the ones I can make. They show everything necessary to actually fight without resorting to descriptions. 9/10
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Yes. It's not too excessive, nor is it too little. 10/10
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Generally, yes. The primary "complaint" that I keep returning to is that it's all a little confusing at times. I'm also, admittedly, a little concerned with some of the other players' personalities - some of it occasionally breaks my immersion - but if it boils down to your effort, it's good. 8/10
Where do you see room for impovement?:
I'm not sure. The overall quality and pace of the game is great (and I envy that your games actually kick off the way they do - mine seem to slow down constantly...), the players are active...
It boils down to confusing - though I have had a strenuous last couple of months, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. What does trouble me slightly is that I don't... hm. Feel a great connection to Sandpoint yet. I don't know how long we're supposed to stay in Sandpoint either, so that may be intentional, but my general impression so far is indifference. I think what could fix this is some more day-to-day "normal life" roleplaying - it's been one day of events, then a time-skip, then another day of events (or that's what I can recall).
I apologise if I come off as condescending or rude. Honestly, I am very pleased with this game and have every intention of staying.
In which of Zyren's campaignns do you play atm:
All I think!
Are you content with the story:
In all of them, sure. I think you do a good job in keeping our personal goals in line with the 'end game goal'. In the sandbox games there's a lot of freedom to do our own thing.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
Yep.
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
So far so good, I haven't come across any that I can think of that were 'off' what they should be, if that makses sense.
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Yes, and it's getting better in HoL now we have more healing :)
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
They work really well!
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
I'd almost be disappointed if there were less, it means we need to consider our skills and spend wisely...!
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Yep, fits well and is very descriptive.
Where do you see room for impovement?:
I guess it is whether we need to spell out what the long term goals are in the Sandboxes. I guess in Runes/SD we will be a bit constrained by the AP, but Dark/Light I'm guessing our long term goals might be more likely :P
Any other comments?
Good job all round, I don't see any problems.
In which of Zyren's campaignns do you play atm:
Hearts of Light, Hearts of Darkness, Hearts of Runes
Are you content with the story:
Honestly, all of the stories are great and quite distinct. They always keeping me coming back for more.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
The xp pace is quite good. In each campaign the story is most interesting, so when I go up levels, it takes me by surprise. However, as a DM I am curious what experience points are being awarded for. This is something I have personally struggled with in my own campaign. Are monster's xp what they are listed for in the bestiary? Are we getting experience points for role-playing or for accomplishing goals?
The pace of PBP is something that I have wrestled with over the months. For the first month. when I only ran Solaric in HOL, I wanted everything to go much faster, and I eventually grew to accept that PBP moves at a relatively slow pace. However, by starting my own campaign and joining your other two, I have solved that problem. In fact, sometimes I worry that I am not adding the level of depth and detail into my posts that I need to. Now, whenever I think that things are going too slow, I simply try to add details to my role-playing that simply add depth and not just move things along.
I do not know if you are aware of this, but I have become completely enthralled and perhaps obsessed with your campaigns as they often consume my every free moment. I absolutely love the games! As a result I am checking the posts quite frequently. I do worry that I post too much and scare off other players. In truth I want to make sure everybody is enjoying themselves and I hope I am not stepping on other people's toes. Please let me know if you think I am posting too much!
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
They certainly are colorful! They add a great deal of depth to the world and make it very believable. I like the friendships I am building with NPCs and how I can come back to a town or village and meet a familiar face.
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Yes, the ratio is good.
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
Battle maps are great. However, I would love to see more of the zoomed in shots. When you are zoomed out, it is difficult to see the characters and the coordinates.
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Absolutely. The skill checks are great!
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Yes, you are a fine storyteller!
Where do you see room for impovement?:
Any other comments?
This is not a complaint, and I hate to even mention it, but for Solaric, I would love to see more divine interactions with Iomedae and her servants. As a priest, I would like to be able to speak with authority that I am one with the Inheritor, and that I am following her will. Sometimes, I feel like Solaric is a little too alone trying to wrestle with "what to do?"
Thx for DMing such great adventures!
I award XP for CR (yes, the monsters award the xp they normally should based on the bestiary), but also for general roleplaying, accomplishing goals and superbe roleplaying and ideas.
Regarding the ballte maps you're right I think, I tend to forget people's display sizes, since I got quite a big one on my desk -_-
I will think about Solaric's position, I think it was mostly undermined by a very self-confident Taldan :)
That were some very insightful comments, I will think about wrapping up the action again some time in the near future. I will also try to put some more effort in the depiction of Sandpoint, I accelerated and skipped more when I had the feeling that players became a bit more inactive, normally changing the pace than helps^^
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In which of Zyren's campaignns do you play atm:
Heart of Riddles
Are you content with the story:
I'm fascinated with the story thus far, and I can't wait to see how things unfold.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
I know there is a lot to take in and get the story off the ground, and I am looking forward to hitting that spot where things really begin to take off.
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
Each NPC is their own character and portrayed wonderfully.
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
I love the Battle Maps and I would prefer to see more fights in the near future.
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Very pleased with the amount of rolls and check needed.
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
The scenes are laid out in a very comprehensive manner.
Where do you see room for impovement?:
Once we're out of the Goblin or expanding more I think things will fall into the niche I'm looking for.
Any other comments?
Keep up the fantastic work and thank you for picking up our game!
HoL
Are you content with the story:
Yes.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
Story pace is great. Level progression was surprisingly fast in the last bit. IIRC we only fought the ambush and the death knight (graveknight? What was it anyway, you can tell me on GM to another??) and whump! level up. Felt too fast to me. I was really expecting more encounters in the vault. Did you have more planned?
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
Fantastic job! Pitr definitely feels like he’s got a whole separate life outside of adventuring.
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
I could use more fights. Like I said, it kinda feels like just one or two battles per level.
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
The battles are fine- it is hard to get the challenge level right. I love the obvious effort you put into the battle maps- just make sure to zoom in as tight as you can. Maybe zoom in more once the character close. I REALLY have a hard time seeing what’s going on.
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Definitely, I take a lot of dicebot abuse :P
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Great job! I definitely couldn’t run crap in a second language especially fantasy which I think requires a pretty deep and often archaic vocabulary. Bravo!
Where do you see room for improvement?:
Only the minor things mentioned. I’m glad to have Pitr along on this campaign.
Heart of Runes and Heart of Riddles
Are you content with the story:
Very much enjoying the story in both so far.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
The pace is good, my only problem being that I can't post quite as much as others and so get a little left behind. On the up side I do get to read lots of interesting posts whenever I get back to my PC.
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
The PCs are well done, you can definitely tell each has their own personality and mannerisms.
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Fights are good but I am alright with the amount in Heart of Runes so far. As for Heart of Riddles, only really had the one chance of a fight so far and we talked our way out of that one so can't really comment yet.
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
Battle maps are very good, help a great deal with working out what to do in the fights.
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Yep, not much I can say other than that. Get to break out the skill checks reasonably regularly and with two smashy frontline types attack rolls turn up pretty often.
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Enjoy the descriptions and storytelling, you let people roleplay stuff out if they feel like it and speed things along when the posts are flagging so all good really.
Where do you see room for impovement?:
Not really sure, main improvement for me would be being able to post around the same time as most of the rest of the group and have as much time to post.
Any other comments?
Niet.
I used a PF adapted version of the Grimguard Template out of this book
Hope you don't mind it's no Paizo material, I like to toy around with creatures from various sources as long they fit into Golarion.
And you're right, there were only two real fights, but you also receive XP for accomplishing goals, like retrieving the book, rescuing Samara etc.
Yeah, I was thrilled by your your campaign and followed it through the whole first chapter about the mysterious box. I lost track afterwards, but as soon as I got time I will set sails again. I always loved Freeport, yet don't have the PF versions of the books by now, but a lot of d20 material.
Heart of Riddles- Toms Second Darkness (really think you should find a spot where the continuity wouldnt be a problem and start a new thread with your name on it. You deserve it.
Are you content with the story:
Absolutely.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
More than content. I think Ive said it before but the pace is awesome. I was warned that many pbp's fail due to inactivity but we seem to have well above average participation from everyone. especially from you Zyren. <thumbsup>
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
Indeed.
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Somewhat. As a fighter Id of course like to see more fights and flex my muscle but Im sure that Ill get the chance sooner or later. Really enjoying the RP with the other pc's though.
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
Just having maps is a big plus. Ive only been in a few pbp's and this is the only one where maps and pics of places and people are provided. Very cool.
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Indeed.
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Very much so.
Where do you see room for impovement?:
I dont.
Any other comments?
What can I do as a player to help improve the game?
Heart of Runes
Are you content with the story:
The story is just fine.
Are you content with the pace (story and Xp-wise):
The pacing is kind of breakneck at times. It can be difficult to get meaningful interactions with NPC's or to deal with stuff in downtime when you get fastforwarded immediately to the next thign all the time. It's not a problem now but eventualy I kind of wanted KArlan to be building his own weapons ( and then get them enchanted) sometime down the line.
Do you think the NPCs are colourful, unique and interesting to interact with?:
I think they're fine really. I think you're doing a good job there.
Are you content with the ratio of fights/roleplay:
Yup.
Are you content with the battle maps and the kind of fights? Are they difficult enough?:
Poor KArlan seems to take the majority of the hate in fights. But that's fine, I built him to take it.
Are you content with the amount of rolls and skill checks you have to make?:
Honestly I can't say mos tof the stuff I'd expect Karlan to do is taken care of by other people lots of the time. I have the skills in case though and no ones doing thins that disagree with Karlan morally so.
Are you content with the descriptions and the general way of storytelling?:
Yup.
Where do you see room for impovement?:
I think a touch ore attention to detail (i.e. I ask questions or do things that come up completely ignored not even a small ooc blurb telling me that it is or is not possible).
Any other comments?
Hmmmmmm nope. I admit I'm rather easy to please.
Johenric's player just told me, he was not going to join the Cthulhu game.
Even though Grmbln hasn't posted or dotted yet, I think this will happen soon. But since Kirk and Shifty are gone for some time now and in the future, I think we need a recruitment thread for two spots, everyone agrees?
Good points. Since everyone else in the campaign is very content, I think I must've mysteriously ignored only some of Karlan's comments. Will pay more attention in the future, promised :).
Ah, after taking a look at the thread again I know what you mean, your last post regarding the scale mail is invisible as long as I don't hit the reply button *_*
You could have grabbed a chainmail at the barracks.
Yep I'll post soon, just finishing Mr James Chilcott off before I do.
Speaking of which, wealth roll