The game's been going for over 8 months now.  I think we're at a good point for me to solicit some feedback.  I'd like to know what you've enjoyed and what you have not.  Assuming you don't want me to insert sex with goblin-spiders into the game, I'd like to try to steer the game in directions you like rather than dislike.

I suggest we use a Roses and Thorns approach.  Basically, I'd like it if you would please identify one thing you like about the game (a rose) as well as something you dislike or would like to see improved or maybe even changed (a thorn).  If somehow this game is miraculously the perfect distillation of everything you enjoy about PBP gaming, I guess a thorn isn't necessary, but constructive criticism will be extremely helpful in making sure the game stays/becomes fun for as many people as possible.

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 1):

Overall, considering this is my first PBP game, I have greatly enjoyed it and do not intend to leave anytime soon.  It is like my social fix!  So you are all stuck with me!

A rose would be being able to change our action now and then.  Thank you for that.

I have few complaints, as there is not much to choose something to be a thorn for.  There are times I wish there was more role-playing involved, though that may be just the nature of a PBP game, or even more so, the nature of combat within a PBP game.  I know a while back, before Jack was part of the crew, there was a couple weeks where the DM was on vacation, and all our characters were in an inn, sort of planning what to do next.  Several of us just kept posting back and forth in character over and over regardless of how many times we had posted for "that turn", and it was really a blast.  So there are times where I wish more grandiose posting could be allowed within the spectrum of the actions we are allowed to take per turn.

But I love this game!  I believe certain characters, not just my own, have secret pasts and such...I look forward to seeing how actions of the game make those elements become divulged.

My stab.

Just for reference, I was out of gaming for some time, and this served as my re-entry.  I'm now in 2 other RPOL games (both 1st Edition), and for a while was in a face-to-face game that petered out.  Play-by-post is definitely different than face-to-face, so I'll keep that in mind with my comments.

Overall, I really enjoy the game, and how you set things up and adjudicate it.  A very big, full blooming rose (you pick the color) for coming up with the temporary leader concept.  We were struggling there for a while, and I think this really kept things moving.

A small thorn for maps, or lack thereof. Most of the time they're not needed, but things were a little confusing in the tomb before you posted the map.  There were a few other times where I held back casting area affect spells such as Sound Blast for fear of also affecting the group and a map may have helped my decision, but I accept a good part of the blame - I should have simply asked you if I could cast the spell without harming the group.   Hand drawn maps are fine, maybe only when we first enter an area just to get the layout, and see what's where at the beginning.  No need to produce something like that Dyson Logos guy (though that would be very, very cool).

Again, I'm enjoying the game as you present,  and the posts by the other players.   I would have no problems if things went on as they are now.  Keep on keepin' on.

I only mentioned being in other RPOL games as a way of comparison to other DMs (they're 1st edition AD&D, so I think I won't be sued for calling them that).  Anyway,  compared to them,  I really have no complaints about how you run this game.

{Corrected stupid autocorrect}
This message was last edited by the player at 13:52, Wed 17 May 2017.

Way to suck up, Elwood! (Just razzing ya.)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Wed 17 May 2017.

I do my best!

AARRRGGGG!!!!  Stooopid #!&*€%£ Autocorrect!  RUN the game.

(that's my story and I'm sticking to it)

I'm new here, but things seem to be going well.

It's a tough balancing act to find the right pacing. On the one hand, you want time for the party to banter back and forth, roleplay, craft plans, and discuss strategy. On the other hand, a lot of time can go by with not much happening. Having a temporary party leader addresses this to some extent by putting the onus on one player to decide when there has been enough talking and it's time to act.

Combat in a PbP game doesn't facilitate much RP posting, and so it's hard to work in some of the longer or "grandiose" posts that Dreya was talking about. I'm not sure there's anything that the CK can do about it and maybe it's on us as players to do more of that when the time is right.

Pros: Good pacing of combat, good flavor to the campaign, and CK adaptability to the player's ideas and schemes.

Cons: Simple maps may be needed for more involved room layouts or combats, to avoid confusion about who can get to where or do a certain thing.

Overall, very positive opinion of the game.

Rose - Being patient with us players when we throw weird ideas at you or ask silly questions.

Thorn - I would not mind some more maps. I was a bit confused as to the layout for that last battle and would have probably changed my actions had i had a better understanding of who was where and what the room looked like, etc. Granted, if you had a map up that time, I did not look at that time.

Great feedback so far.  I'm sensing a map-related theme.  If the group wants more maps, more maps it shall get!