Time for a new OOC thread. We had 29 posts' of space in the old one, but there were good reasons to start a new one.

The biggest one? I think we ought to have a discussion about whether to continue. The game started over 9 years ago. We've had hiatuses, we've switched sites, we've had players move around all over the place and add multiple children to their families. We've had a fantastic run, but things have been herky-jerky at best for a while. Originally, when Cade made me a primary author back on StoryCrafter, the idea was to split the party. (In three, actually, with various pairings scattered all over the world.) That split happened in a much more local way within the Mithril Delve's Thin Land. We've managed to get everybody back together, but...

...it's been a slow process, and has led to some awkwardness on my end as  try to keep Elec to his old leadership role in the party without feeling like a railroading GM. Cade's sort of in the same boat. The more important problem is that we haven't, collectively, managed consistent posting. I have the feeling that Taija and I are on RPOL pretty constantly, but it's a side destination for many of you in lives that are busy with far more important things.

Do we want to press on with our intermittent pace and much-reduced active cast? Or shall we call it a good run and divulge some of the plot secrets that were coming?

As the most recently added member to the cast my voice carry minor importance in this question. Anyways, I will speak my opinion.
This is an excellent game with some excellent players, and an excellent GM and I would hate to see it go. I will try to contribute whatever I can for the sake of the games survival.

My slow posting ratio is, how strange this now may sound, a product of the slow moving story in itself. I am on RPOL pretty much every day and can post as frequent, but have a tendency to neglect threads were there may be weeks between posts, even if there is a red flag up. I assume they talked about such things on a class psychology I skipped back in the day.

If there is a mutual interest to step up the tempo I will be all for it. If there is some acceptance for adding replacement-players I will support that to. This game is to good to allow to die. As simple as that.

I'm on RPOL these days two to three times a day. My problem was getting into Sari more than anything.

Like I said before, I'd be happy to play in something newer as I love this group. Hell, if I knew this game was going to be going for a long time I'd happily reroll a new character but I know that we were trying to get this game finished up.

Butt as to frequency I could post 2-3 times a day most days, or more.

I've been here for awhile, though I know not one of the primary cast. Things picked up recently and I've enjoyed it.

As for stopping, I will vote against that (unless someone plans to start a new game with the crew to play in... and technically we can do that without stopping this one). I'm fine with the pace, and I can speed up as well if that's the direction we want to go. I'm on RPOL several times a day, sometimes I may miss a day, but I try not too.

It's sounding like much of the problem is with the game/story rather than (strictly speaking) availability. I know form experience that I'm highly unlikely to ever push the pace past 2 GM posts/week, even though I'm one of those people as a player that will happily post two or three times a day.

I totally understand, too, about slow posting being a result of a slow-paced game--it's easy to wait for something to happen, and easy to put off a post for "another day or two."

As much as I love the story we've been working on for so long, I feel like I'd need to make major concessions on the story front to keep the game going as is--especially with folks having lost some contact with their characters. It should be the story of the kobold who met a prophesied drow in Helmsgold, the two layabout rogues who got involved for kicks and a hat, the paladin who needed to keep an eye on the rogues (and for justice!) and the bard who went along to make sure the glorious mess was properly recorded for history. That's how it started, back before there was any elven nobility involved, or reincarnation, or the idea of the Thin Land had even been cooked up. If I thought we could do justice to that story, I'd be keener on pushing forward. We've strayed from that, though--not because of new characters, but because we haven't collectively been inspired to make things grow. It's been nine years and a lot of clacking keys, a lot of life between Helmsgold and First Hall.

I'm not going to comment further until some other folks have had a chance to chime in--we've got a contingent of weekdayers here, and I don't want to nudge the discussion further until we've heard from them.

I must put up my apologies here. I haven't been doing any gaming whatever for the last several months. With the mental issues I've been dealing with, & still trying to be a good mom to a very active & intelligent 2 year old, that's been taking all the energy I have these days. I haven't even been doing much in the way of crocheting & knitting, which those of you who have known me for so long know just how much that means to me. So I'm afraid I have to say that for the foreseeable future, I most likely will not be playing. I don't want to diminish the story, & I don't want my mental state to make my vivacious Reanna into some morose character that no one would like any longer.

I would love to continue.  I don't want to lose the characters we have, unless the players decide they simply cannot keep playing them (totally understood, Reanna and Sari!).

I don't mind a little railroading, either.  :)

Stories change.  They grow, they evolve.  Perhaps one set of stories for this group is finished - the one you talk about above, Hawk.  That group has done some incredible things, and people have reached amazing heights.  There have been crescendos in their personal stories.  That's not to say that everyone needs to change, but that the old characters now have space for new stories.  :)  Or to move off, if their players can't play that specific character any more.

No shame there at all!  :D

But the older characters, including Jancus who did come in before any of the new people, they form a solid core.  Even if Sari decides to change characters and Reanna can't find the time/energy due to (far more important) real life needs, that leaves Elec (partly NPC'ed, but still played wonderfully by the GM, and that's a treat to see), Eladrin, Sukuden, Bron-Bron, and Jancus.  It does make Elec's situation a bit tricky, given the really impressive love story he shared with Sari, mind, but nothing is impossible to work through.

I love the cast - every one of them.  That kobold is still there, looking for a cause.  Those two rogues have grown into new positions and responsibilities, and yet find themselves at odds sometimes with that growth.  The paladin has found love and a new purpose.  All of these things, I think, show the growth of the heroes through their journey, and continues that story you began soooo long ago.

I think you're still doing it justice now.  :)  The stakes may have changed, the characters have become something deeper.  But still.  Might it be a matter of grasping that idea, realizing that the characters have grown and changed, but still are the same in their cores?  And tying that together with the current plot (hooray for gross generalizations, but I'm not the plot-writer so I'm unsure of specifics :)?

As for the leaving characters, assuming they do go (and will be terribly missed!)?

Perhaps the Drow has found her calling and her place.  And the bard has enough to document, and needs to bring it to the world.  Or take a rest, because that's sometimes necessary as well.

Thoughts?  Am I just rambling?

Another important question - are we still having <I>fun</i?  And is the GM still having fun (rather critical, that!)?

I am!  :D

Maybe we need to get smashed back to nothing, to lose all our fancy gear and stuff, and have to work our way - *ducks hail of thrown stones*

^_^

GM-fatigue and GM-pretentious-auteur are both wearing me down on the core Effigy story line. I'm going to give it a month or two, and we'll pick back up en route to someplace new with whomever is interested in picking it back up.

In the meantime, let's have another game under the same heading. Because we can do that here. The current cast wasn't all in Masadum, but the PCs and the Big Bad made rather a mess of it before things were settled. It will be up to the Originals (and their new allies) to settle the big existential threat, but as I've tried to make clear at various points, the conflict with the Abyssal Flames is spreading quickly across the world. Masadum seems like a fun spot to explore that.

If you've got further comments on Effigy "proper," feel free to keep up the discussion in this thread. If you're interested in playing a new character in an older bit of the setting, chime in in the new thread.

Oh, darn.  :(  So sorry to hear about the issues with the GM-Fatigue.

I'm really big on keeping going with my current character, because...I've barely gotten to play her.  There's plenty more I'd like to explore.

As for character for use in the new storyline, I'll have to consider that.  As long as it doesn't mean we lose the old characters (whomever wishes to keep playing!), given how slowly these games are moving I'd consider making up a new character for this new one.  Not sure what, and what's allowed.  I'll have to poke around and think hard.

The plan is that I'll pick the main plot back up in 6-8 weeks. Nobody has to abandon any characters.

Depending on how many of our existing players want to make new characters for the new group, I may bring in a few selected players from my other games. The main idea is to give people the opportunity to keep playing with people they like, even if they might have lost touch with their original characters...and also the opportunity to move at a somewhat faster pace. As for what's allowed...feel free to make pitches over in the other thread. We've already got precedent for nontraditional races, including a variety of hobgoblins, half giants, and the like.

More games = Better.

Especially when they are run by competent, realistic GM's. Which we have.
And staffed by people I like. Which we have.

Let's keep this train going, and get a second one on a different rail moving. I'm game for both!

I'd come in for a new one. Maybe by then I can get a handle on Sari again as well. Even if I have no idea about a sheet for her any longer.

So if we're interested, where do we start discussing possible characters? Also, I officially suck at Pathfinder. So if there's someone here who rocks the Pathfinder rules I would love to work with them to create something really fun.

I wanna be a Goblin. Because I love them.

Spinning character ideas for the new story should happen in the "Ashes of Masadum" thread.

It always amazes me how this group manifests when critical junctions come.  We've been together for many years and I love this kobold.  In some ways, I feel personally at fault for the loss of the original elements of the story about Suku's hat.  I came into a character that I've tried to make my own over the years, but Effigy has consistently felt episodic for me.  Without being a part from the very beginning, I sometimes feel like I'm merely acting on Suku's behalf as opposed to living these relationships.  Hope that makes sense.

As for posting, my biggest problem is that most of my computer time is at work.  When I get home, I've got a new kiddo and a wonderful wife to join.  I find myself usually able to sneak a few minutes on a Saturday or Sunday morning, but even those times are becoming slightly less available.  Despite all of that, I do try my best to keep this truly epic story alive because I believe in the group and the writers.

I'd be willing to try to pull together a new character, but I am likely only going to be able to maintain a once/week post.  Summers are always busy and I won't promise more than that.

I feel as though we've come through some very difficult times together as characters and people.  That gives strength to this story in ways that others don't have.  If a reinvention/twist on the tale lights a fire in our bellies, I'm in.  Might even play a slightly taller character next time...

Certainly I'm pretty limited to once a week.  I don't have much time on weekends, and I have other games to which I have responsibilities, including a couple of GM'ed ones on SC.

I will consider a character for the other game...not sure if I can manage it, but will consider.

Big discussions/many posts always seem to happen when I go away for a few days.  Not much more I can add that hasn't been said already. As far as Bron-Bron goes, I'd love to continue playing her, and will continue to do so until this story comes to it's final chapter.  Long hiatus's don't really bother me, nor does slow posting rates (of which I am totally guilty of).

Like some of the others, these days I get my posting in during the work week (M-F, 9-5). It's a rare weekend when I get to post, much less simply check in to see what's going on.  That being said, I do check in daily here on rpol, as well as on SC (often several times during the day).

So in short, yes, I would love to continue with the current characters no matter when.  As far as a 2nd character, focusing on a different part of the story?  That's cool too, and I suppose I'll post those comments over in the other thread...

Also, 1500 posts.  :)

Holy Jesus, let me just tell you that being forced to read this and not be able to respond (mostly due to network restrictions at work/working 19 hours a day) really, really, -really- sucks.

Whew...that's done with, now my 2 cents.

I'm going to take a heap of the blame on this one. My disappearances over the years has really put a halt on progression of this story of ours. I made Elec vice-president in charge of keeping crap going because I knew that there would be times that things would get muddy for me, and I needed someone who was able to keep with the feel and keep things moving. For falling from my position of control and leaving it all on you, Hawk, all this time, I am infinitely sorry.

Folks, maybe we have hit a wall with this story. From responses, it certainly seems as much. I for one would like to point out that I'm just as happy with how far we have come from the day we started. And I still see our little rag-tag party. Granted, our newer members might feel about shouldered, but you're all a part of this great big mess of a world.

I still see that pair of rogues; one who ran from his past only to smack face-first right back into it. And did he hide from it? No. He realized he needed to step into those shoes, to be the leader more so than the guide, and he didn't flinch as he did. He faced the changes of life as one would; he found new love and came upon a lost one. He was faced with the decisions a man makes in that position, and he still wrestles with it all.

I still see the paladin; knightly and just, pure in purpose and true in course, making her personal sacrifice to see the world saved. She was faced with some of the hardest choices of her life, and she saw that some of her hard-girded laws wear down. She found love in the strangest of places, she embraced that love and even when she lost it; even when it pushed her to her breaking point, she embraced it once again. She became herself more so than her position, she wasn't just there but was there for everyone, herself most of all.

I still see that outcast who broke the social barriers, became a great warrior and even still, becomes greater as time passes. He too put his beliefs, his strict moral codes to the test and saw that maybe they shouldn't cloud his judgement, but guide it. He took to the unsavory types he was forced to travel with and found in them great companions that he would gladly lay down his life for.

I still see the quiet, oft troubled priestess, so much more than just a stranger in a land full of old hatreds. She was a light that would shine, maybe not to lead, but most definitely to shine. But she had to find that light, and she was looking for it. She was changing to find it, getting beyond the grip of her old life and walking into the arms of her new one.

I still see that brash kid; the one who made bad decisions more often than good ones. He burned as brightly as a bonfire, and it was infectious to those around him. He escaped a life of slavery and torture, died at the hands of his slavers, returned as a doppelganger to one of the greatest heroes alive, was forced into a life he never wanted and never deigned to have; but he did it, for the better of those around him and for his family. He fell in love, something he swore never to do, and found that it completed him.

And, I see that bard, smiling brightly; her mind a cloud of possibility and ambition, imagination entwined around possibility. Her words, her songs, her happy way of thinking, her carefree persona was able to clear the clouds from the sky. She wanted nothing more than that one great story; the one that would set all the other tales on their heels. She happily dove into the darkness with her friends, her family, and did it without the slightest complaint -- because, hell; who knows what's down there!

Yeah, things have changed, but things are still the same. Almost 9 years and our band of players has changed, grown, and evolved. If we were to end it now...well, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be sad at the notion. As you might recall, I started this story -- shooting from the hip -- because my last game left me with a profound sense of loss. I very much enjoy writing with and for you all. You've been a great joy, a wonderful privilege to create with over these years. I would gladly continue playing out Eladrin until it's conclusion. I would also be happy creating new ones, working within our world and creating a new tale.

But, as always before, I leave it to you. You're the reason I never let go, and I still say that God, Allah, whomever...truly blessed me with you all; my band of brothers and sisters. I'd heard so many horror stories of online tabletop gaming and some of it's less than savory players...and you all proved those stories wrong. Intelligent, inventive, able to weave a tale not just play a sheet of paper and dice. So, whatever decision is made, I stand behind it one-hundred fold.

Cheers.

Oh, and before I forget...

Hi, my name is Brian. It's lovely to meet you all.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:58, Wed 08 May 2013.

Also jancus, I rock at pathfinder. It's very much 3.5 but with better rules.

www.pfsrd.org has everything you could ever want regarding Pathfinder.

I'll happily answer any questions.

I do plan on picking things back up in the original plot. Or at least writing up a few pages of how I imagine it all playing out. I just need a break from thinking about it for a while. I also want to make sure that I can lay out a path to a conclusion that's less vulnerable to getting tripped up (without pushing the game to the point that you lose your options).

We'll likely pick things up en route to Besh in 6-8 weeks. Honestly, these fiendlings in the snow are not major threats to the party. Not with the heat its packing. But I have a feeling it would take us 6-8 weeks to get through the rest of the combat, even two rounds at a time, and I'd rather spend that time doing something that's more interesting for everybody.

Okay, sounds good.  I'm obviously a little saddened that the story is going to end, as Taija's story has just begun.  I've barely had a chance to RP with everyone, to get to know their characters, to get through conflicts and discover friendships, etc, etc.  Plus, there's all kinds of things I had planned to do with her - the dark-kin business of the Life-Quest of the Redeemed and so forth, which could certainly have continued without interfering with the plot.

BUT...that's the penalty for coming in late.  :(  Sad, but what can one do?

*hugs Brian*  Don't take the blame.  There's no 'blame' to be had, here.  :)

I'm sensing a group hug coming on *sniff*

Very well said, Brian.  There is certainly a lot of story left to tell in these old characters of ours, and by golly, I'm sure as willing to see them through to their end.  And who knows, Taija, there may yet still be an adventure or two after this epic plot is concluded. ^_^  I mean, come on, just think....a paladin and a demonkin walk into a bar...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Wed 08 May 2013.

I'm still interested in how the two of us get through the first 'serious' sit down and talk without Brownwyn deciding to kill the demon...  ^_^

She didn't kill the Drow.

And it's probably in your best interests to use her name. It's Bronwyn, not Brownwyn. Surface elves get uppity like that.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:05, Wed 08 May 2013.

Brownwyn...hee hee.  I'll stick with Bron-Bron.

...the Drow didn't 'detect evil', you know.  ^_^

Hmm, I do seem to recall using detect evil on Sari too.  Well, Bron-Bron has changed a lot since those early days in Helmgold.  Ah, things were so much simply then.  All she wanted to do was to keep the streets of the city safe from riffraff like Eladrin. ;)

Erm, then I don't think you've tried Detecting Evil on Taija yet.  There's a reason she has problems with Paladins, even if she keeps her horns hidden.

She detects, I'm sorry to say.  Side effect of one of her feats, and causes her no end of problems.

I think Bronwyn took it on faith that you were one of the good guys, considering you wee in a company of dwarven paladins, and already accepted by them.  I mean, come on, it's not like you're a vampire that walks around in the daylight. ;)

That would make logical sense (though Taija could be an evil demon fooling them!).  Pity we're going to miss that little bit of RP, though.

Mission accomplished, I feel.

Well, friends, I believe I must take a hiatus from this awesome detour.  If possible, Hawk, I'd love to lurk (it seems I can't see anything new?).  My family is trying to work through a potential relocation for my job and that's made schedules - and writing time - tight.  I'll definitely keep tabs, though, and make a priority for Sukuden.

Write well, my friends!  I look to be entertained!

*hugs*  So sorry to hear!  Perhaps you can join in later?  :D

Take care Suku.  Your writing will be missed, but your presence will last on. :)  Come back to us when you can, and good luck with the move!

*hugs*

We'll hear from you down the road Suku, take care of yourself and your family first. We'll be here when you can rejoin us :)

Suku, you will be missed. We'll keep your seat warm. Don't be gone long though, your talent and presence will be greatly missed. Get everything straightened out and settled and we'll see you soon.

It's mostly good stuff, although the kind of good stuff that is a lot of work. I know where he lives. And where he's going to live. And his son's soon going to be at an age where I can brandish the threat of noisy-toy-presents. ;)

::hands him the Blue's Clues Interactive Detective Toy from his son's toybox:: It's about 90 decibels.

Make it so.

Wanted to post a quick note here to let everyone know that I do still drop in occasionally. Things are still pretty frazzled for me right now, but slowly getting better. The leg I thought I had sprained (because that's what the E.R. folks back in IN told me) was actually broken right above the ankle. So I've got a walking cast that I'm wearing & an ultrasound bone stimulator that I use every day. But even the orthopedic doctor was surprised I could walk on it.

On a cheerier note, I wish everyone a great Memorial Day weekend (for those in the States, of course), & a simply a great weekend to all others! =0D

When I pitched a quasi-reboot, it seemed like we'd be moving across town, that necessary transitions would be smooth, and that I'd have time to do all the necessary work.

It's easy for things to look smooth from a distance. Zoom in, and they get bumpy.

My family is now planning a move across the country (1200 miles south), my wife's workplace has gotten weirdly dysfunctional, and I'm still in the situation of basically dual-classing my life, second edition style. You know, the one where you lose access to all of your class abilities until you match your old level. Despite my best wishes, I find that even though I've technically got the time to sit at the keyboard, I don't have the headspace to gin up plot points, review people's sheets and concepts, and set the board with cool stuff.

Effigy of Fate is officially going on hiatus until September. At that time, I'll see who's around and what we're interested in doing.

Enjoy your summer, everybody.

Take care of yourself and the family, and let us know how things go. I'm sure we'll all be here.

Goodness, Hawk - take CARE of yourself, and your family, and you're doing the right thing with this game!  :(  *hugs*  I'm so sorry everything is going crazy.

I WILL be here, barring catastrophe on my end.

Same as everyone else.  I'll be here when you're back.  Take care of the family, and good luck with the move. *hugs*

Given what some of my other players, GMs, and co-players have been dealing with lately, I'm not going to complain too much. This is a challenging transition I'm in the middle of, but it should be a good one once it's done.

Except for winter. I'm really going to miss winter.

Yes. Take care and time to sort things out. I'll be here.

Just checking in to let you know that I am, in fact, still alive and still here on RPOL. We're just around the corner from crunch time for our move from Minnesota to Texas. Lots of moving pieces (sorry), and I'm still not at the right place to start anything back up here. I continue to aim for September to get the Ashes quasi-reboot going. After Labor Day, kids will be in school and things ought to be more stable for most of us.

Best late-July wishes to you and yours.

Still around!  Good to hear that things progress for you.  :)  And please, be careful on the move!  :D

Glad to hear things are starting to stabilize. We'll be here when your ready. :)

Ditto

Hopefully things will be settling down here too. The state has informed me that they are submitting for me to attempt to get SSI, because in their opinion I am broken. I have disability lawyers working to get disability as well, because I am broken.

*hugs Sari*

Support is good.

Good luck dealing with them, Sari.

Still around, albeit tired as all hell.

Still here and, for those who don't know, not moving to North Carolina in the imminent future any longer.  This is nice in some ways (my company is still going to try to work at giving me the promotion I want) and hard in some ways (it will make the next offer to move awfully critical).  All that said, I'm still around :-)

::bites an apple:: So, any interesting summer stories?

I have a peach!

What happens when your best friend thinks he is a master firework technician? That's right folks, he burns his brand-new four-stall garage to the ground in a matter of 23 minutes.

Yep. Can't make this shit up....

O_o

...details.  Please.

Thats one big OUCH...

Zoinks!

Basically, my buddy decided he wanted to pick up fireworks in New Hampshire. I went with, as I had some me time. Got some neat stuff, all of it dangerous. I figure he's going to stockpile it for our Summer camping trip up to Fourth Lake.

No. Genius decided he's going to have his own Pyrotechnic Spectacular behind his house.

Now, granted, he's got a lot of open land. So chances of a fire are minimal. It's not dry here, so the grass is green and healthy and saturated. However, genius that he is, doesn't listen to me, his brother who's an engineer/carpenter, or his father-in-law who's a retired fireman when we tell him "you're doing it wrong"

Yep, sets one off, the launcher that it's in was not secured. Tips over, shoots back into the garage and hits half of the fireworks in there as it explodes, catching a propane tank and two gas cans on fire, exploding the doors off the garage, shattering the windows and immediately igniting everything.

Burned down in about 23 minutes. I mean just burned. There was no saving it. We called the fire dept, they got there within 7 minutes, and basically said "Well, we'll keep it from spreading but that thing is done.

Yep. Fireworks.

I would use the phrase 'comedy of errors', but I imagine there was absolutely NOTHING comedic about it at the time.

I'm very, very pleased nobody was hurt!

Yeah...you sure your best friend isn't secretly a gnome?

Anyway. We have made it to Texas and have internet at the apartment. Today, our stuff is finally showing up. I'm still looking at a post-Labor Day relaunch. (Labor Day is Sept. 2 this year.)

It's sad I didn't see the relation until now haha.

No one was hurt, I t was funny but in an coincidence of irony way. 3 years ago, he bought a brand new Mustang. Gorgeous car, I tell you. Didn't use the parking break and it rolled down the road in front of his old house, and over an embankment tumbling 25 yards into a canal.

Still going to doctors and such, but now we have no car. $1000 repair bill to get the sucker back and no money to speak of. Life just likes to punch me in the face.

Ouch.  Two bad car stories, but the mustang one isn't as bad as Sari's.

*hugs*  I'm sorry, Sari.  :(

So, how about that Labor Day, huh?

It's becoming clear to me that I'm not going to be able to get Effigy up and running any time in the foreseeable future. Some of the reasons are bad (still hunting for a job and trying to start a career more-or-less from scratch with a PhD in hand). Some of the reasons are good (I'm spending a good chunk of time on my own writing and have started a new blog at www.walkingledges.com). But there are lots of reasons. If it was getting everybody together for a long weekend of gaming at the table, I'd make it work. But I know that even getting through the penultimate leg of the quest (in Besh, where you'd be headed) would take months at our recent posting rates.

That doesn't mean I'm deleting anything. Maybe I'll luck into a cushy job that will give me money and time. Maybe come spring some of my other projects will wrap up. Maybe I'll just get a bad enough itch to start things up again. But for now, we're on "indefinite hiatus."

Please feel free to use the OOC thread for intermittent updates as you'd like. We've been at this a long time, and there's no reason to stop checking in just because our characters are a little stuck.

I'm still around, still here, not giving up on anything... :D

likewise.

I come running, like a five-year-old, eager to find out what it is to be found in those mystical threads, hiding beneath those red letters indicating a post.

And will continue to :)

I am still here as well, and I'll keep an eye. This is really my only live game on Rpol currently.

Still here too. Like a homeless roleplayer, I have nowhere else to go.

I still check in on occasion, as well as keeping up with what's going on with several of you via Facebook (yes, yes, I know, it's an evil site... lol). Perhaps in the future when the game is able to start up again, I will be at a good place mentally to start playing Reanna again. We will see. And hope. Love you guys!

Still here, still working every damned night. Huzzah!

::goes back to monitoring servers::

Think we're all still together, boss. :-)  We'll get up and running again when the time is right!

Sheldon plays bongos walkin' down the stairs.

...I'd dance, but I don't know the tune.

^_^

Still here.

Aye

Still around, and lurking creepily at the edges....

Still around. Bleh.

Wuld Nah Kest!

...juggling the idea of purchasing the founders pack for EQ Next.

:ponders:

is deep in the wilds of NaNoWriMo

Think I am in those same wilds.  Would explain a LOT!

Also, Texas bureaucracy is the goddamn worst I have ever experienced. For a state whose leaders constantly yell about getting the government out of the way of the people, they require idiotic amounts of paperwork to do even the most basic things.

This surprises you? Usually the loudest ones are the biggest hypocrites. Especially when it comes to politics.

Addendum- And yes, I did get the Founders pack for EQN. Damn my weakness! :munches on his shame: ..mm...bacony...
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:47, Wed 20 Nov 2013.

Newspeak will eventually rule the world...

I went back to WoW. My doctor said I needed to do something that might spark my interest and try and be more social. So WoW it is.

Hey, if it works... :)

I say that and my subscription runs out. :(  Can't renew for a few days until money comes in. This is my life.

Surprisingly enough, quit WoW.

I know, right? Almost 9 years...everytime I think about it I cringe a bit. But, went out on top of my game. Ranked top 10 world for Enhancement Shaman, got 2 server firsts the last two expacs each, second best geared player on my server, 19.8k achievement points, every legendary minus the MC neck and Atiesh...

...then my good friend and my raid lead got wicked sick, had to quit. He was also MT, so we had to replace a tank. Then the offtank got a new job, two healers decided to quit, one was bored, Mage almost died twice, literal death not in game, and then we lost our Hunter because of something I'm not at liberty to speak about. All of whom are very dear friends.

So yeah...was sad, bored. Most of the people I played with/for left or lost interest. I liquidated everything, dumped the coin in my gbank, turned the keys over to my oldest friend in game, deleted my toons and uninstalled/cancelled.

(Yes, this was a small therapy session for my own part.)

Still putz with GW2 and Neverwinter, as I said I paid for EQN Founder status so can't wait for February. But I haven't done much online...in a while. 'been too busy with work and kids.

I'm still looking for work in Texas...and also daycare, since my wife finally found a job. So far, I've been collecting rejections and silent treatments. It's been a pretty miserable week for those.

But hey, at least I finally convinced the stupid state that I could have driver's license.

Yay for licence! Boo for unemployment!

:snrk:

IN SOVIET TEXAS, LICENCE DRIVES YOU!

There is only Soviet Texas. It is Red State, yes? Very red.

Unrelated: in my NaNo project, one of the protagonists' cousins marries a man named Elec. Elec has a friend named Drin. (Although I don't think Drin will ever be on camera, and Elec's screen time is minimal.)

HAH! Nice! It's a shame, although I feel like 'Drin would be more akin to Archer if it's more of a modern day thing...

I've considered doing this...NaNoWriMo thingy. But, I'd be stumped on what to write, not for a lack of material.

Plus I've been trying to smooth out the old chapters of EoF. I really feel like it would make a fantastic story. Or set of books.

I've got a few of them sitting around somewhere, relatively polished.

I'd love to see them. Most of all, I'd love to see them made into something others could freely read. I think it'd make for a great story....of course I do, hell, I am a part of it!

I still play WoW, maining, what else, a paladin :)  Was never in such a lofty guild as yourself, Cade, but I do all right on my own. :)

Black Friday, Gamestop is offering $5, 60 day game cards, Sari.  Not sure if that has to come with a purchase or not, but could be something to look in to.  I can send you guys my battletag info, if you want to join up in game.

Grats on your wife finding work, Hawk.  And hang in there, you'll get something going too.  I know how stressful that can be. :(

I checked the Gamestop ad and I don't see the $5 game cards. I see Pandaria for $10 and a free game card if you buy Pandaria or Swarm. And I'd be happy to take your info. I've got three 90's right now, two horde (warlock and rogue) and one ally (monk). Only my ally is actually anywhere near decently geared though.

I haven't played since before WotLK. I had a 70 orc warrior that I rather liked. Most of the people I played with have stopped on account of kids...or gone over to LoL.

These days, I play almost exclusively Horde, though I do still dabble with alliance every now and again, but my highest Ally side is 85.  All my 90s are Horde; Paladin, Shaman, Hunter, Priest, Druid, Deathknight, Mage (listed from best to worst in terms of gearing).

My battletag is gamesrule77#1449.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Sat 23 Nov 2013.

Ironically enough, Bron, I haven't been in a "Big Fish" guild since Wrath/Early Cata.

I had this twink guild <Kind of a Big Deal> that was basically my bank, etc. In Cata, four friends of mine and I leveled it up; all four of us were on my raid team through Cata and MoP. Our entire team was an amalgamation of players from other guilds/old friends. We were able to compete because we were good. Really good.

And let me just say this; there is no greater joy in the world than beating a big name to a Server First Heroic Achievement. Especially when it's Ragnaros, Deathwing, Lei-Shen, & Garrosh...and it was by minutes almost every time.

I'm going to miss it. Hell, doing over a million burst dps out of the gate and maintaining nearly 400k for an entire fight was painful to the wrists. But I'll still miss it.

Edit- Garrosh was normal; my bad! I meant Empress ><
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:36, Fri 22 Nov 2013.

I gave up serious raiding a long time ago, back when we left vanilla.

I'm Glitch#2471 on battle.net for anyone who wants to add me. I play Hearthstone on and off right now, WoW once my account is paid again (likely Sat or Sun), and I've been debating on doing Diablo III again. I suck at Starcraft, but likely I'll pick up Swarm over Black Friday since it'll be cheap and bully my way through it to see the storyline.

I am waiting to grab the expac for D3. I really want to try the Crusader.

Hearthstone is a ton of fun.  Really enjoying that, and my kids love to play along too.  We got our first legendary card yesterday (Ragnaros!). :)

I dabble with D3 every now and again.  I beat it on normal mode, and slowly making my way through nightmare mode now, with my level 45 demon hunter...

400k Cade?  Wow, nice.  I'm going to miss the big numbers when the squish happens next expansion. :(

I don't have any legendaries, but I do have a 22 game losing streak.

My wife and I just cancelled our WoW accounts after 9 years. We just couldn't stomach the treadmill any longer. But I had a ton of fun doing it, and I still think it's likely the best MMO on the market. :)

Yeah, Bron. Had some world rank 1 on WOL a bunch of fights. But enhance is such a whack a mole spec as far as rotation is concerned...oi. It hurt haha.

I agree to an extent. They really, really-desperately need to change things. Most content is rewashed, occasionally you get something really interesting and new, but it loses it's flavor fast.

I really enjoy GW2 and Neverwinter; as far as ftp games are concerned, they're great. It affords people to be able to just jump into stuff and do it with little problem. I'm really looking forward to EQN. If any of you get a chance to peruse the videos on it, do so. It's going to be badass.

...also, I get 4 beta keys that no one's claimed, so...yeah. Could be fun!

I got tired of Neverwinter, just couldn't stay into it. GW2 was the same. I have an account but it's not installed since the computer crash. I know nothing about EQN at all so I can't comment.

We did watch Blizzcon and personally I'm excited about the changes in the next expansion. I want my own base with my own minions to send on quests and such. And the new character models look awesome.

Right now the Wife and I moved on to FFXIV, with some guildies from WoW. So we're enjoying it there, but taking it really easy and slow. Just having fun playing when we want, how we want.

I looked at EQN and now I remember looking at it. I did apply for the beta, it looks pretty cool. Obviously I didn't get in yet. :)

I also love playing enhancement shaman as well, but sadly, don't get to play him all that often outside of resto. :(  He's so neglected. :(

Updated my post up above with the correct battletag. :)

If EQ Next can handle 50% of what they promise - and the game is stable and playable.... then daaaaamn. They'll destroy the competition.

Destructible/Manipulative Environments
Fan sourced and created textures and objects
Procedurally generated dungeons

Just that there is enough to put them way ahead of the pack.

That's why I didn't hesitate to buy in. Some of the developer videos have been...just delicious.

That and I want to build a stairwell to the other side of the world. A la MC Escher.

I can't actually play MMO's.  I don't know why.  I understand the appeal, but...having tried a couple, they literally do nothing for me.  :(

Just not my thing, I suppose.  But given their popularity, they're certainly doing SOMETHING really, really right!  :D

I've found that MMOs, for me, rely on playing with people that you know. I've never really had much fun PUGging it.

I play both ways, solo and with friends. I rarely pug it because I tend not to like most of them but I'll do randoms with my healer because solo leveling a healer tends to be slooooow.

My DPS characters I usually end up running solo. I group with some friends when I can, but these days I do a lot of solo play. Which is why I tended to stick to WoW, I really like the storylines in their quests.

I enjoy both solo and group play. I did PUGs for LFR and random dungeons (Read: capping VP) and PvP (Read: Capping honor). Most of the time though, my friends and I would be bullshitting on Vent for hours. That's what I enjoyed the most; sitting, talking about whatever.

...granted, due to humor, most conversations devolved into discussions about animal genitalia or penises and my MT's penchant for finding random "dick-pics" while innocently searching Google for something inane and ultimately entirely unrelated to penises.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Mon 25 Nov 2013.

Picked up FFXIV last night to putz with a friend. We're on Ultros.

Soooooooo...how was everyone's Thanksgiving?

Great!  Visited family out of state, and got back sunday (since traffic on saturday was horrendous).  But the cousins all had a great time playing with one another.  the 4 of them (ages 8 and 5 (mine) and 5 and 2 (my brother in laws)) were stomping around the house playing as adventurers, wielding swords, bows, and a spell book (it was actually a pocket sized dictionary.  The irony was lost on them, but we found it fabulous!).

^ This.

Amazing.

We had had two. One for just us here and then Friday one with friends. Had a bad experience with Game Stop on Friday that is in the middle of being fixed by a district manager, and aside from my having to retreat from being around too many people for too long things were pretty decent.

We also had two. Both were fairly low key, aside from my son accidentally letting the dogs out. I picked up Numenera on Black Friday...seems pretty cool so far, though I haven't had the opportunity to dig in. It was my reward for "winning" NaNoWriMo.

grats Hawk!

Nice! Grats El!

Hee.  Awesome.

See, these are the details you need to give everywhere!  ^_^

heh, sorry.  Didn't have a chance to post it over on SC, too. :)

A merry Christmas to all!  :D

Yeah, yeah.  Merry Christmas.


Whatever.

:)

We'll see how merry it will be. Heading out right now to my disability court hearing (yes, on Christmas Eve I have to show up in court) with a splitting migraine and seeing how the boy reacts to being left home while his mommy and I go out and leave him with only one person here for as long as this takes.

Ho ho ho.

Hang in there Sari!

Merry Christmas/Boxing day all.

Apparently the experts believe that I'm fairly worthless as a human being, so it appears I may get the official 'disabled' qualifier and be able to collect disability since I can't do a damn thing.

It was especially fun hearing my psychologist believes I'm psychotic.

There's always bacon!

...which is what I got for Christmas morning! God, I love breakfast at my parents!

How was everyone's Christmas? (aside from the awful court stuff)

I'm psychotic and didn't get bacon.

And that is a true tragedy.

Tell you what, I'm psychotic too! I'll grab some bacon, we'll drive to Canada and scare the shit out of them as we riot their "bacon" and fry this stuff up wearing that Toronto Mayor's election shirts.

Our Christmas was good.  Kids had a lot of fun ripping into their presents. :)

Happy new year all.

Happy New Year!

It's sad that the most Americans actually understand about Canada comes from watching the whole Rob Ford fiasco....  :)

Merry Christmas, all!  Hang in there, Sari.  *hugs*

Damn it's cold out today.  I know some of you have it far worse, but brrrrrrr!  Was 5 degrees this morning, -13F with windchill.  Yikes, it was a long walk to school and then the subway after that.

NYC is fairly chilly.  ^_^

Yes, it's cold here in NY. Still hate it here.

Super cold upstate too.

Also, I know a bit more about Canada than just Ford. I just find it hysterical that he's allowed to speak after the first incident. The guy is a barrel of laughs in my book.

Oh, and if you guys could just send that Polar Vortex back up to the polar cap, that'd be great.

Most all of the school districts in my county closed today just because it was -23 to -35 in the wind. My district, of course, stayed open. It is F'ing cold, that's for damned sure.

Believe me, the rest of Canada finds it just as amazing....  :)

Probably less amusing, though still somewhat funny.



If we knew how, we would have done so, trust me.  ^_^  A week ago we were labouring under lower temperatures than have been quoted on this thread... :)  Like, -40 with Windchill.

...I don't have to say Celcius or Fahrenheit with that one, because it's the same for both.  :D

Ah, the mysterious wonders of -40. ^_^

Our freezer at works is set at -40. :)

I'm not really minding living in Texas right now, although we set record lows here, too. It's just that the record low was 12, not -22.

I almost had to put on a hat.

That's it. We're moving to Texas. Pack yer stuff.

Declined for disability last week. Apparently not being able to go to work or use public transportation with panicking, or hearing voices that aren't there isn't cause for disability. Since I'm not seeing 14 doctors a week or on half a hundred medications an hour, I must be fine.

That's incredible.  :(  I'm so sorry, Sari.

That sucks. :(

*hugs*

I think everyone should get together and we'll all go see Maleficent when it comes out.

Seconded!

...she is my favorite villain.

::crickets::

What's the skinny?

Still here!

Howdy.  I pop in once a day, on weekdays.

Still substitute teaching, still looking for a proper job, still working on my novel. That about sums it up.

Still here as well

Been a long while, but I'm still around, too.  First quarter at work has been nuts.  This is the first time I've been able to pop in for quite some time.  Wishing everyone the best!

Plus, Suku has this adorable hatchling who's recently graduated to toddler.

Alive. Somewhat.

Hope everybody's still getting by. I'm doing behind the scenes work on a new serial fiction project in a setting that'll be familiar to many of you. The (pipe) dream is eventually to develop it into something that updates with the frequency of a webcomic and eventually allows for marketing ebooks, RPG materials, possibly even other merch. All that's a long way off, though, and the blog isn't even public yet. Still, I thought you might enjoy it:

http://bulletsandbladesingers.wordpress.com

You can also find my "real" blog at walkingledges.com. That's where updates on my novel show up, assuming you're willing to put up with all my posts about being a post-academic.

very cool.

We need a password and log in to access it though.  Is it the same as we use for here?

Wishing you all the best with it. :)

Coolness.  :)  I really hope that works out.  I'm still here, on the off chance we ever get something running again.  :D

I was curious as to what has been going on. I was going to jump on and continue the main story arc but with El's plan to do the Masadum group, I was kind of excited to see how that one rolled out.

I'm going to check this out though, I really enjoyed the bnb thing before.

I didn't realize that it'd be password protected. I'm not quite ready to open it up yet.

Anyway, Cade, if you want to pick back up the main group, that's fine by me. I still have too much other writing on my plate to be running a game, but I'd love to get to the neighborhood of closure.

Everyone kosher with that?

I'm good with either group going ahead. Seems I lost a bunch of games in the last two weeks, so I'm fairly free.

You mean...this group?

O_O

I love the idea of the new thing, sure, but...'make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.'

Right?  :D

*sniffles*  So happy....

I'm fine with either group going.  Just know, that my posting rate is not super speedy these days.  Though, I always seemed to write fairly quickly enough for Bron Bron in the past...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Tue 13 May 2014.

Heeeeee!

*hugs Bron-Bron*

Whoops, sorry about that.  Fragile little thing, aren't you?  ^_^

O.O

Whichever group moves, I'm there! :)

Wanna wait to hear from everyone before proceeding. Don't know everyone's availability but there's no sense in starting back up unless we hear from most of the crew.

Reanna will not be returning.

That's very depressing to hear. I hope everything is alright. She will be missed.

I'm sure I can cajole Suku into coming back on board, though his company is in the middle of a transition and his availability will be limited for a while.

Sorry, I forgot to come on to let everyone know when Sari told me about it. Been rather distracted lately - the three year old takes way too much energy for someone with a "normal" life and outlook, let alone an older mom who is dealing with various... issues. I've been focusing my energies on trying to raise him right & looking for ways to get more energy. If I could siphon off just a small fraction of his, I'd be set for the rest of my life!

I just can't seem to get into the right mindset for a board rpg these days, and don't want to tarnish the image I've had of Reanna by not playing her the way I feel she should be played. And then there is the fact that almost every time I start to type something, the Monkeyman comes over & decides he needs to help Mamma type by either tapping my fingers, the keyboard, or holding my thumb away from the keys. lol Some of this, I have learned to get past - obviously, since he is doing it right now... but it tends to make me lose my train of thought as well.

I may eventually be able to get past enough of the stuff I'm dealing with to come back, but right now I don't see it happening. I do miss all of you, & wish all of you the best.

*hugs*

*hugs* Reanna. You will be missed, come back when you can.  Family stuff always comes first.

At least your stepping out for the right reasons. Take care of yourself, and your whole crew! :)

Poot.  :(  Please take care of yourself, Reanna!  And I'll hold out hope for your eventual return!  :D

*hugs*

The particularly observant of you might notice the post count going up faster than posts in this act are happening.

You might want to worry about that. You might want to be excited about it.

In your spot? I'd be both.

Yes, yes. In the words of Dr. Frank N. Furter, "A mental mind fuck can be nice."

I thought something looked amiss.

^_^

Have a great memorial day weekend, all.  Well, the Americans among us, that is, just a regular ol' weekend for the rest, I suppose. :)

I'll be out of touch till next week, so don't get too much set in motion. :P

Neat.

Still here. At the ready.

Hmmmm interesting... I like where this is going.

Still a few details we're hammering out. I don't want to start until Elec and I are both on the same page as far as the what, the whom, the "wait, a minute, you're on my hair," the Three Blind Mice, and the Bat Signal.

Makes little difference to me. I'm one of the second stringers.

Oh don't worry. I'm sure they have something suitably evil to do to you too.

Indeed

So we're missing all kinds of stuff?

.....

;_;

It means they are plotting and planning in private messages...

I hate missing stuff!

*cries*

We actually have a thread in a group only Cade and I can access. If it were just PMs, the post count wouldn't go up.

Evil things are afoot.

And by afoot I mean 12 inches of knuckle-cracking' ruler action! Nuns, theyr'e a hard habit to break.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Mon 26 May 2014.

Hi All!

I am, indeed still here. Excited about the prospect of Effigy firing up again.  I'll do my best to post all of my katana-chopping action!

Woot!

Awesome!  Great to see you back, Suku!  :D

I know where he lives. And that his son's at the perfect age for even more noisy toys than he already has. ;)

...and, no doubt, a few cans of 'Jolt'.  :)

Jolt...oh man how I miss late nights of study on a double of Jolt. And the following crash around 4 the next day.

I never cared for it - the taste, blah.  ^_^  Would just consume a couple of litres of coffee, and "keep on truckin'"  :)

These days, that just puts me to sleep.

I think my warranty ran out when I passed 40.  :(

I used to drink Jolt for the taste when I was a teen. I loved that stuff. It helped that for some odd reason caffeine and sugar never had any real effect on me. Hell, one night I had 15 cups of coffee and then went to sleep.

These days I'm a coffee fiend. And afraid of what Jolt would do to my stomach...

I actually stopped drinking soda because it was really messing with me. No diabeetus /WilfredBrimley thankfully, but man...it was like rot gut.

I still drink coffee; hell, there isn't a shop here in Rome that doesn't know me by face/name. And water, tea, and V8.

And beer. Can't forget that.

I've got Diabetes so no drinking. Sugar is a nono. Coffee is life.

Only the hard stuff for me...ice tea and milk.  Lots and lots of milk.  Cold. Ahhhh, nothing better. :)

For me, coffee is needful.  :)

...if we're talking 'drinks', I occasionally have some Armagnac or Calvados.  :)

Pfft, all you slaves to the all mighty coffee.  I laugh at thee. :)

No mocking my coffee. I don't need coffee, but I love the stuff. The caffeine doesn't give me anything these days, I'm awake without it. I don't use sugar so no sugar rush. But I love the flavor. The really dark roast or the exotic blends, and letting it cool enough to drink heartily.

I drink water or flavored drink mixes in water otherwise, which I share with the boy. And he loves them.

*plays basketball with Bron-Bron*

Take that as you wish.  :)

I only drink coffee a couple times a week, otherwise I know I would addict to it like crazy. I like the taste and I loves me some caffeine. So I keep it under control, and maintain it like I do booze.... except I'm better at keeping coffee out of my mouth than I am alcohol.

Here, here. The beer it just...forces it's way into my face. I can't stop it.

Oh, expect some start up stuff today. Been spending the last few days trying to get everything position. Should have some posts up later.

:primes the block; applies oil; begins pulling the cord:

Fantastic!  :D

Great stuff, boss!  :)

I'm going to assume - from the description - that there is effectively an 'open path' between Taija and the creature.

Yep. Any of the "fodder" is being cleaned up by swarming dwarven infantry :)

Wheeee!

65 distance!  Thank goodness for rapid movement!  :D  First post back, already I'm raging.  Not a good start...  O_o
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Tue 10 June 2014.

Hey, boss!

Indeed, I added in all bonuses to the rolls, just giving you the final values.  If you ever want to see the breakdown, let me know; I figured it would clutter things up a little.  :D

Edit: Oops, I see you mean the 'inspire' bonuses.  Nope, I didn't add them.  Will next time!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Tue 10 June 2014.

No worries, I basically "assumed" they were added on, even if not listed. So you'd get them regardless. :)

Coolness!

On another note...please help!  O_o  Taija's HP really took a beating from that double blast earlier (like...waaaay earlier) and the rage hp won't last forever!  :D

Nice post, Eladrin - good run, as well!  :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...dU&feature=share

Also, this is happening.

Okay, I haven't owned a console newer than the Sega Genesis, but that is a damn cool trailer.

Right!?! I own all the ACs and this one loons fantastic!

"Loons Fantastic" seems oddly appropriate.  :)

Seems like I have some catching up to do...

Point of pride: got my 5 year old (who insists he hates everything I try to feed him, until he tries it) to eat an egg and cheese omelet with buttered toast WITH THE CRUST ON!

...sadly, I then had a slightly eaten bowl of Cap'n Crunch. But yay! Progress!

I'm not sure if I should be impressed by your success, or appalled at the food.

.....

Let's go with impressed!  :D  Hooray!

It had ham in it too.

...still going with impressed!  Hooray!

^_^

I am aiming a post for Friday.  We'll see what happens, but I owe Taija one first, in her game over on SC...

Whew. Busy day about done. I should get an Elec post up tomorrow.

For the #1 seed, Spain just lost like a bunch of amateurs.

Edit- Yes, Bron. That's correct! You're still benefiting of ProEvil.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:10, Fri 13 June 2014.

3 d20 rolls: 6, 5, 4. Welcome back, me.

So... as an Artificer, do I get multiple attacks? With others attacking 2-3 times, with twice the bonus to hit, and twice the damage. I feel like I'm either missing something, or just very very underpowered.

Elec's using rapid shot. Glancing at your sheet, you need to up your BAB by 2 before you get multiple attacks. You've got spells, too, remember.

After this battle, Cade and I will be going through and handing out goodies (including bonus feat-esque stuff) and making sure everybody's sheets are in good condition to move forward to the next chapter. Since Cade's running it, expect that you'll have pretty big numbers at your command soon. ;)

I don't really mind, I just want to make sure I'm not gimping the team. I have the spells locked, I know what I have and what I'd like for them. It's just an issue that very few are actually anything that boosts/damages. Most are more defensive in nature.

You're in sort of an odd spot in that you're looking at a lot of ridiculously combat-specialized characters, many of whom have ridiculous stats accumulated over years of play. Like I said, we're going to be digging through sheets and abilities after this fight to get things closer to normalized across the party.

Yeah... in fact I might wanna copy some builds for my home D&D game. The villians need some 'oomph' right now. They get dominated pretty handily by the PC's.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in the group! And to all the moms doing both jobs!

Happy Father's Day!  :D

Taija was invented by me when I noted some synergies with weapons and a specific Prestige class.  She was originally intended as a crowd-buster - someone who would wade into a crowd of lesser-powerful beings and maul them.

And yes, she's pretty combat oriented.  Amusingly enough, my favourite part for playing her is the non-combat stuff, where she has to struggle to deal with people.  :D



Close.  :)  And it's understandable that Bronwyn would think of it that way.

It's more like a Guan Dao or Naginata, as I understand.  I always think of it looking like this:

http://www.outfit4events.com/e...chinese-pole-weapon/

Only it's a little longer and add a massive metal sheath for about 3/4 of a foot on the butt end for counterweight/hitting purposes.  :)  And make the blade flare a touch more close to the tip.

By the rules, I think the whole thing weighs about 18 lbs and anyone without a strength of 16 suffers a -2 to hit with it, even if they are proficient.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Mon 16 June 2014.

Ah, cool.  Sorry about that Taija.  I was trying to do it from memory that day, and I knew you always referred to it in posts by name, so...

My bad.  Would polearm be closer?  Heck, I can just edit it to 'weapon' for simplicity. :)

And Happy Father's day to all the dads, as well.

Here's a question, which I couldn't find an answer to...do Knight of the Chalice (prestige class) levels count as 'paladin' levels, when determining levels for abilities that use your level to adjust/buff damage or abilities?

For example, my Smite ability says to add my paladin levels to damage.

Polearm works just fine!  :D  And zero problems, just clarifying!

Oh, I know.  And thanks!  I always like to try and be accurate in my posts ;)

I don't see any mention under 'Knight of the Chalice' for the levels stacking for the Smite ability.  It looks like Fiendslaying takes the place of that, which is actually BETTER because it's useable unlimited times per day.  :)

But that's a judgement call for a GM, I think!  :D

:D  And you are!

Oooo, I forgot about fiendslaying.  That's an additional d6 damage, if it applies. :)  Thanks. :)

They do Bron, the levels count.

How about this one Taija?

http://www.zombietools.net/shop/reaper/

Posting soon, once my headache goes away and I figure out what the heck Sari can do. Been too long since I looked at her sheet and I really made her halfway useless...

Sari!  :)  Good to see you here!  :D

Another nice example for the blade.  Just make it actually have an ironwood shaft and that big metal sheath on the butt-end of the weapon.

...also longer, I get a special 5' reach with this one.

I think we should just call it a 'sword on a stick' and be done with it. ^_^

Murderpole™

As my goblin rogue would have called it "Stabbystabby onna stick"

we just hit (and now passed) 2000 total posts!

And I didn't claim it!

*sobs*



Works for me and Taija, both.  :)  Heck, I'm playing in a Star Wars game here using a Failed Jedi who refers to her lightsaber as 'the murderstick'.

...or stabbity on a stick.  Then again, it would probably be 'choppity on a stick'.  :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Wed 18 June 2014.

Electric Vaporizer. Onna steek.

Why do people keep calling me 'hulking'?!  ;_;



Is it because I'm surrounded by elves?  Is it?

*sobs*

  ^_^
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Thu 19 June 2014.

Yup, blame those darn elves.

We've watched you beat people with a redwood tree trunk with a snow-plow blade wrapped to it. The next closest thing would be Sari's staff as far as big-weapony-deliciousness.

Trust me, it's not a misrepresentation against perceived height, it's compliment of how much like the damn Hulk you are! :)

Two handsbreadths below six feet would be 5'4", if we're using "hands" technically. (At least in measuring horses, a hand is four inches.) That leaves Taija shorter than several of the elves...although I'm guessing she outweighs everybody in the party.

Tangentially related: the MUD I still occasionally dabble in bases weight on constitution scores. One of the players has a papua--a little one-foot tall rock dude--who, because of that connection in the code, weighs more than half a ton.

My mistake, then - it should be two 'handswitdths'.  :)  I can never keep that straight.  :)  Will correct.

Essentially, she's around 5'10" to 5'11".  :)

Always!  :D



[Taija]  "I'm always angry."

I think of Orsen from Record of Lodos War. Not huge, but when raging turns into this...omg-run-ffs-shes-got-Fred-by-the-leg-and-is-hammering-people-with-him dangerous person!

Ooo, Orson.  I remember him from the original OVA's.  :)  I liked him, and his friend who we called Santa's Elf.

...we watched bootleg copies before it was ever translated.  :D  Made for some weird interpretations of what was going on, but after watching the translated versions we realized we hadn't been too far off.  :D
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Thu 19 June 2014.

I loved RoLW. :)

There's some GORGEOUS animation in the OVA series.  I remember one part we watched over and over again was a scene with the wingless/land dragon in the first OVA.  It's getting ready to barf fire all over Mr. Hero, and the animation of the Rogue whipping around while drawing his big bowie knife, then throwing it into the dragon's eye took my breath away.

Really amazing!

Sadly, i don't remember that much from it.  It's literally been close to two decades since I last watched them?  Wow.  Now I feel old. :P

Hey Cade, is it safe to assume the wall of fire is behind me as well, since I was in melee range for my attack?

Was wrong about timing in the OVA - here it is, time 2:35 or so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCvd49pTPIw

Also illustrates the pointlessness of one person going after a even a landdragon with a sword.  Unless that person has some massively magical sword.  :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Thu 19 June 2014.

Man. I had forgotten how terrible the score is to that series. Those stupid little hits that accompany every bit of action...

As to the actual clip: that's why you don't sic monsters with DR on 2nd level characters.

Ah, that does look familiar. :)

Yes Bron!

Sweet.  Time to unload with that sweet, sweet righteous fury. :)

Now in blueberry, strawberry, and face-full-of-fist flavors!

What about maple-brown sugar?

Well, my smite attack was a crit, so...

^_^

I'll write up the post at lunch time.

It's like apple cinnamon, it goes without saying!

Well, post in.  Even with the crit, I'm sure I still did not do as much damage as Taija has, but hopefully I'll draw some of it's attention away from the wounded barbarian.

Nice move, Jancus!

Thanks... hoping it works anyway! :)

Everyone's a critic.  :D  But it's a tad overblown, yes.



Or, you know, OGRE MAGI.

*glares at Bron-Bron*

My attack rolls stank.  I'm hoping that it's just a big, thuggish thing with Armor Class of 22.  :)

Nice idea, Jancus!  Fantastic!

I threw a bear at it. My job is done.

Does the bear have a laser?

I understand that's a thing.  ^_^

You were above level 2. :P
Besides, it was a plot element. ;)


Well said, Sari.  Well said.

I don't have a high enough level spell for laser bears. I think I can call forth a goblin pillow fighter though.

Sorry...I was level 3 and my character was alone.

^_^

Send in the Goblin Pillow Fighter™!!!

...it's not as cute as it sounds.

Owie.

Suddenly happy about the 5' reach thing.  O_o

I'm almost always happy that I don't have to touch any thing. Ick. ;)

Point.

Thunk with the arrows.  :)  You, Amras, and Jancus are the smart fighters around here.

Elec's not bad with a rapier, actually. He just does heaps more damage with his artifact bow. Strange, naja?

Oh, most curious.  :)  Feats, special magical bonuses, thosse things make huge differences.

3.5 is such a different beast than AD&D or 2.0, where you had to use the silly Archer Class, or the 'Sage Advice' point blank rules (which might have been put in the original Unearthed Arcana), to dish out massive bow damage.  And the Point Blank stuff only worked within 30' for bows (60' for crossbows).

Now?  Archers can be up on a par with melee stylists.

Striking main mass you're avoiding the caustic goo, as you've a whole other bag of snakes to deal with. Tentacles are spewing that crap, they're full of it.

I'm revealing this because anyone viewing the attacks thus far, noting where arrows/blades/claws have struck, will notice a difference in what's coming out of the wounds.

*whales on the main mass with verve and enthusiasm*

As if there were any other way to whale!

I suppose one could be a ninja, flip out, and wail [sic] on a guitar.  But that would take Real Ultimate Power.

...aaaaaand now I feel old.  :D

This^ made me giggle.

Given that there isn't a physical map - could Sari have used the stone bridge too? Gotten her a little closer to Taija faster?

I had assumed that all actions were basically simo, so she wouldn't have been able to use it since she was moving as it was being cast. I will change my action if that is not the case.

My work here is done!  :D

Whatever you prefer. I've never penalized anyone for asking to change their action. If you'd rather use the bridge, I'm cool with that! If you'd rather circumvent the wall because that's how you feel it was happening, I'm cool with that!

If you want to send me take out, I'm cool with that too!

So to be clear, if I use the bridge I get another action then?

Yepper!

Good.

.....

HAAAAAALP!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akam...04169371970686_n.jpg

This had me rolling!

There, edited.

I could have done it better.

Oh shut up. Goody goody.

Shhhh.  Sari deserves praise.  I'm more than happy to get 19 HP right now.  :)

Thank you!

Awesome Cade!

That was pretty awesome, I admit.  ^_^

The saki exchange to the self ignition was the best part haha!

Jeebers, that's a lot of attacks Suku!  O_O  With good rolls!

One hell of a fashionably late appearance by Suku! Welcome back to the battle, good sir!

Now, as the old adage goes: it's on like Donkey Kong.

Suku was also taking two rounds of actions. He's fast, but not quite that fast.

So Earthquake is a really fun alternative to to having a Colossal beast rend people asunder! :D

Wheee!

So, does improved evasion help mitigate/negate any of this damage?  I made my reflex save with ease.  Also, does any of my paladin-ness protect me against the sickness, etc?

Evasion lets you take no damage on a successful saving throw. You can avoid the negative conditions (shaken/staggered/sickened) should you succeed as well. You are unfortunately unable to avoid being deafened. These aren't spell effects, just good old natural angry big-beast yelling and beating the ground.

Waaah...look at the madness!

How about myself for Shaken/Staggered/Sickened?  I have my 'Fiendish Anatomy' ability that allows me to Fort save against criticals...does it have any effect here against the hangover the beast is giving us?  O_o

So, to get this straight, I made my first save.  That means:

1.  Don't need to roll the second.
2.  I take 25 points of non-lethal damage.
3.  I'm sickened/staggered/shaken.

Correct?

That assumes Fiendish Anatomy doesn't give me a shot at shrugging off some of this (I might as well ask, right?  :).

I'm not sure where I am distance-wise.

Correct. Also, no, unless you have something that says otherwise, you're affected by those three status effects. (Ex: Immunity to fear eliminates shaken. Evasion, as mentioned, on a successful save, negates staggered)

Sari that's a good question...if you closed to heal, I'm gonna have to say first range.

Stuck, then!  :)  Thanks! :D

So...

1.  This round: one standard action, -4 to everything but damage, -2 to damage, and -4 to initiative;
2.  Next Round: -4 to everything but damage, -2 to damage, and -4 to initiative;
3.  Following round: -4 Initiative.

No Fortitude save to avoid any of this?

Poot.  :(

Immunity to Fear avoids Shaken, Evasion helped Bronwyn avoid Staggered...how might one avoid 'Sickened'?

Still whaling on the main body with enthusiasm.

Less verve thanks to being 'sickened'.  :(
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Wed 02 July 2014.

Sickened? Couldn't tell you. That's why I chose those particular effects. You're basically at the point where a thunderclap hits in real time. It's loud, so loud, your sound goes out. There's force; it's a rush of expanding energies and they pass through your body. Not to mention the ground is quite literally leaving the vicinity.

As none are magical, the only way to avoid them are physical means. Staggered/sickened/shaken are all based on disorientation of the body, which is why I let Evasion avoid them. You're avoiding the loss of everything as far as gravity. The deafness however, ain't no avoiding that! Ain't nobody got avoidance fo' that!

I could make an argument regarding the sickened but, I'll let it slide.

What I can do is say anyone with regeneration or natural damage reduction can reduce all negative effects by half duration. Yeah. That seems fair. Except deafness. You're all stuck with that til it fades!

Totally cool with it - just wondering about possible means to avoid, and if there were any.  :)  If there's nothing to be done about it, there's nothing to be done!

^_^

Sadly, I'm short both Regeneration and Damage Reduction, so that's out.

I'll see if I can get a post in today, but I might be pressed for time, and I will be away for the weekend.

I haven't acted for two round and the monster's already dead? Man.

Well, you can throw em in there, but it's basically met the quota of health loss.

And since it's the 4th, level up toons to 12, if you're below 12. I'd like to even things out a bit more. Have a happy 4th!

Busy day, so I'll see about posting tomorrow!  :D

likewise, busy day here, too.  Might be another day or two before I get a post in.

And grats on level 12, everyone! :)

Have to give leveling up a try once I can think clearly. Not feeling very well.

Sorry, Sari.  :(

*hugs*

Feel better, Sari! *hugs*

Wow, level 12...hmm, I think Bron is going to become a crit hitting fool!  Hope gets a new ability, increasing my crit range and damage!  And I can finally learn the 2-weapon fighting feat! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Wed 09 July 2014.

Hey Cade, how are we doing HP?  Standard roll for 'em, or...

Yeah, roll em. If you get stuck with a one twice, take a 4.

HA!  Rolled a 4, ah well.  who needs to waste time rolling snake eyes anyway :)

ok, so someone remind me...is level 12 a +1 stat increase?  It's been so long, and my books aren't readily accessible. :(

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but I am mostly updated.

Oh, and what 'level' is our weapon attunement now? I have it at 4, but not sure it I missed one or more over the years...

It is indeed a +1.  Which may not help, if all you have are even numbers.  :)

6th attunement.

O.O Holy cats!

I've been waaaaay behind.

Thanks Taija.  Yeah, all my stats are even.  Well, except for 1 now. :P

A critical machine?  Scary - 15-20, then?  Pity that Improved Critical and Keen don't stack in 3.5 (it used to in 3.0, as I recall, so not surprising THAT got changed!), or you'd be an utter monster.  :)  12-20  O_o

I was under the impression that they still stacked. :(  I was really looking forward to 12-20/x3 :)

Cade, make this happen.

*bats pretty elven eyelashes relentlessly*
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Thu 10 July 2014.

Haha! They don't stack, exactly..but a keen enchantment or severity enchantment will increase the threshold by 1 more.

So, example: 18-20/x2 becomes 15-20/2 with Improved Critical. That is representative of a Feat (an attribute of the character representing specialized training/understanding with a weapon) with the respective weapon to which the Feat is towards.

If you take the same weapon and make it Keen, anyone using that weapon has a higher threshold for crit (based on an enhancement to the weapon). But, they mimic the same effect, regardless if it's training or magic (because the magic represents an interpretation of that training).

However, how I've always understood/house-ruled it, when you have a keen weapon with which you're already applying Imp. Crit. to, you may increase the threshold by one step. So that 15-20/x2 becomes 14-20/x2. Which I'm totally fine with, because why shouldn't a person who has specialized training with a faculty of weapon training not be able to benefit from some hidden, secret understanding imparted upon him via magic?

In case you're curious, Severity is an enchantment that doubles the critical threshold and increases the critical modifier by 1. Severity w/ Imp. Crit. increases the steps by 2. (ie. 18-20/2 becomes 13-20/x3)

Severity is a +4 enchantment equivalent for cost and requires base spells from keen along with two others, which I will post when I find the information.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:09, Thu 10 July 2014.