FYI, if you don't want the "In reply to msg #" to default in your replies, you can click the 'Post a Reply' at the bottom right of the RPoL screen. That replies to the last subject in thread . . .

Coltrane is by far my fav jazz musician. I have several CDs:

Giant Steps (the collectors edition which has the original release plus a 2nd disc with alternate takes)
Soultrane (my personal favorite)
Trane's Blues (blues influenced jazz)
My Favorite Things (tremendous version of that tune, plus other goodies)
Thelonius Monk with John Coltrane (a dynamic duo to say the least)
Coltrane for Lovers ('nuff said)

If you're interested in Coltrane but don't know where to start, any of these are good, but I would recommend one of the first four I listed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:40, Wed 30 July 2008.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #50):

Check out the album John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman. Perfect jazz for quiet times.

Dana and I are flying to KS this morning to pick up Dirk from KU. We'll be returning home on 8/2. I should have internet later today at the hotel and will check in. Just an FYI if I don't reply to private messages or whatever as quickly as usual. (Free wi-fi here at Tampa International Airport, nice).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #52):

careful with that free wi-fi. You should be running a bidirectional firewall, I suggest zonealarm free edition.

Firewall? I wasn't startin' no fires in the airport, pard. A feller could get hauled in by the local sheriff for such a thing.

Gentleman,
I'm a little puzzled by some of posts in the Prologue. I really liked all of the character entrances, but was a little disappointed by the lack of follow-up with person-to-person roleplaying. I know this is RPoL method is still new to most of us, so I thought I'd offer some advice.

With the exception of the Silas/Travis exchanges (which I enjoyed reading), most of the posts have been people talking "past" each other, rather than "to" each other--or comments that are general and apply to everyone, even though most of you haven't even been introduced. I'm reading this as an "observer" and it seems odd to me. A couple of characters introduced themselves and no one even said "howdy, pleased to meet you" or "where do you hail from" or "nice horse" or "what did you say your name was?" or extend a handshake or whatever. Now, I know not everyone is online every day, but there have been follow-up posts from players after these introductions that didn't include any response to someone's self-introduction.

See what I mean? Imagine yourself meeting new people for the first time at a party or other social event and not even extending a handshake and saying "nice to meet you." The idea of getting some food was good--so let's pick up by moving the group to an outdoor table and bench and starting some conversation. Your characters don't know each other and you're about to travel together, so learning a little bit about each other seems natural. I don't mean provide a laundry list of skills and history, I mean do some roleplaying and ask questions of each other and provide some answers of interest to your new companions.

These aren't really criticisms, I'm just trying to help get things moving. Again, I enjoyed the entrances, but it seems like people are struggling with the next steps . . .

Well durn my hide, Travis just did exactly what I was writing about, while I was writing about it. Let's keep it going!

Now that I'm shaking the dust off my roleplaying skills  (We'll see if I ever had any)  Let me ask a question...

Anybody here play Civilization IV or Civilization Revolution.  It's like crack to me and I'm looking to chat with other addicts...

I've always wanted to get into the Civ world.  I love RTSs and never really got around to Civ.  Do you like the recent additions to the game franchise?

Hey Judge, what's up with our other pardners who'll be joining us?  Not that it matters; we can always join up on the trail, but I was thinking if the group heads out in the GT morning, will we miss joining up with either of the other two?

Fodder for thought.....

Chance, I reckon you need to do a re-count. There are six total characters. Five of them have met at the Paducah docks and are having dinner together. In order of appearance:

Chance
Travis
Silas
Cole
Artemus

The remaining cowpoke is James E Beauregard (Jeb). That feller has been communicatin' with yours truly and developing a character. He has posted once in this here OOC thread. I've encouraged him to post in the Prologue and introduce himself as part of character group, but he has yet to do. Perhaps this missive and some encouragement from all y'all will do the trick.

That said, I would much prefer all the characters to be together at the outset. Paducah is the meeting place. If we need to wait a few days in real time to finalize the ensemble, then we shall; however, as I've explained to everyone, we can't wait forever. In game terms, you may feel free to leave on the morrow, as you have stated--that just means the roleplaying going on at the Gone Fishin' table can extend until Jeb arrives, or until we decide to move on without him.

I thought there was one other than Jeb.  My mistake.

As for gathering the group, certainly I can wait a few days RT to move to the morning in GT.  I was just trying to get a count and account.

I like the relaunch for the X-Box 360.  It traded some complexity and a lot of units for speed and ease of playability.

The premise is take some mud people circa 4,000 BC and guide them, trading off wealth, research, culture, city development, and military production to ultimately colonize alpha centauri (technological victory), Create the World Bank (monetary victory), create the United Nations (cultural victory) or capture the capitol of all civilizations (domination victory).  Opposing you are 4 other civilizations comprising the great civilizations in world history (Cleopatra and the Egyptions, Shaka Zulu, Aztecs, Elizabeth and the English etc...).  Each civilization has certain advantages.

It's turn based.  There is a lot of war but a lot of time is spent on more sociological issues.  Do my scientists research electronics or atomic theory?  Does my city self improve by building a library or protect itself by building archer units?  Can I afford roads?  Should I settle a new city near Genghis Khan's border or Bismark's?  Do I embrace democracy or religious fundamentalism (both have advantages)? Do I make peace with Napoleon by giving him the secret of mathematics or do I dismiss his diplomatic overtures?

For me lots of fun.  The game is very addictive (the addiction is called "one more turn" syndrome).  If you like history and an epic scale I recommend giving the demo a whirl.   Both 360 and PC/Mac versions are recommended.

Fellers, Jeb hasn't posted a private or public message in nigh a week. I've left a couple of prompts and he did log in on Monday 8/4, but didn't post a durn thing. Previously, he was in regular contact and I figured things would work out, but now I wonder.

How long should we watch the coffee boil?

I'd actually like our characters to hit the road soon.

Howdy fellas, back from Cozumel and Kansas City...wouldn't you know it that Denver got a thunderstorm last night (we NEVER get those) so my plane got diverted to Colorado Springs to land because we were low on fuel. Sat on the tarmac in the Springs for 3 hours before finally being cleared for the whopping 15 minute flight up to Denver.

Yuck!

In the tradition of all RPGs I vote we move on and "meet him" on the road.

Headed to Keystone Saturday afternoon and will be returning Monday or Tuesday...not exactly sure which. May or may not have internet access during this time.

I'll be in Cleveland on business 8/12 - 8/14. I still expect to have internet access and check in at least once per day. I reckon I'll still log in more often than some of you fellers . . .

I have enjoyed reading all of your character descriptions.

Hey everyone! Just wanted to stop by & say hello as well as thanks for allowing me to join the game! I am looking forward to gaming with you all. I will post IC once I fix my character sheet. Again my thanks & Cheers! Meriwether

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #70):

Welcome aboard! Looking forward to gaming with you!

Greetings Meriwether! I hope you enjoy our humble band of fools.

Artemus

Speak for yerself, Artemus. My ma didn't raise no fool. Actually, there is my sister . . .

Hearty and warm hello to ya.  We're awful happy you've joined us.

For myself, this is my first time on RPoL and my first game of Sidewinder: Recoiled, even though I am friends with the creator and one of the authors.  So, please, bare with all of us as we navigate this game.

Welcome once again.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:41, Tue 12 Aug 2008.