Post here your OOC contributions and, above all, your absence notices.
This message was last updated by the GM at 01:24, Sat 25 Nov 2017.

The group is now made of a Elven wizard, a human knight and a human wizard.
There is no more room for wizards: now we need some more fighter-type heroes :)

Hey all, glad to join up!

Director, do we start off as base with 0 xp as novices? Also, do minor spells count against the 5 spell limit you prescribed in the character generation thread?

Also, if I have the full rules can I use them to choose my spells, and if so follow the spells allowed rules from there? (i.e. a total number of spells equal to number of magic points)

Hello, you start "formally" with 0 XP, but you can "spend" one extra characteristic point as you like and that accounts for your "higher status. Consider it as if you earnt XPs and spent them on that extra characteristics point.

I originally wrote in the thread that you can have five spells for Magic - Wizardry or Magic - Minor, but you actually convinced me that for Magic - Wizardry it is better starting with a spell point for each MAGIC (main characteristic) point, so if you spend more points there you get a benefit. Apologes for the retcon.
You can choose them freely between the spells in the full ruleset, if you have it.

I think we need to get at least another fighter in the group (better two), as we have two wizards and only one fighter. If you know anybosy that might be interested, the sooner we fill that vacancy, the sooner we can start :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:24, Sun 26 Nov 2017.

It's the weekend and many people don't log in here at this time, give it a few days and you should get some more folks hopefully. Another idea is to advertise on other forums like AFF boards or google+ group.

Hi everyone,

I am playing Sir Roland Halfstaff. Looking forward to playing with you all.

Yeah lets give it some time. After the Thanksgiving weekend, hope we see more interested players. :)

We have the fourth player now.
As soon as you are all ready to start (with characters created etc.), we can go ;)

Hey Director. I don't have the ruleset, only the Quickstart guide. Hence I have some questions here:

1. Do we just decide what equipment we wish to start with? Including the type of weapons, armor, etc?
2. I used the weapon chart for sword and bow given in the Quickstart guide. How about the armor chart for Platemail?

Other than these queries, I have my charsheet ready. Ready to roll! :D

Hello,

you can choose freely between mundane items and weapons for your equipment, knowing that you can carry up to ten items.
WRT armours, AFF has some armour limitation depending on your SKILL.
I added this bit to the Game info section, I hope it helps:

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Sun 26 Nov 2017.

Hello all

I will be playing Larson the huge warrior from the north

Apologies for the delay but I was extremely busy this particular weekend so I will need another day or two to complete my character.

Don't worry, it's OK.

Please post here when you complete your Character generation and are ready to play :)

Who is ready?

I am. :)

Me to

We have a fifth RTJ (that we will try to expedite as we are getting realy ready to start), so I'm closing the game to new players.

OK, let's get ready with the character sheets ASAP and go out there! .)

Ready, eager and willing.

We will start by Monday, the latest. Please make sure you'll be ready with your character by then, otherwise we'll find some way for you to catch up at a later point.

@DM, how big is Gallows End anyways? The stu and Thunderbrew is expensive. I would have thought schillings would already have been expensive, but Wyatt quoted crowns...wow... Think he is trying to rip us off here...

Gallow End is a small village of perhaps a couple hundred souls.
From what you know, the "deal" is on the cheap (just "standard" hot tavern meal price is 2 gc in a village, without counting the extra brew + sleep), while ale is a bit expensive (village "standard" is 3 ss).

Ok then. Thanks DM. For the perspective. I need to switch from the Dragon Warrior's world to this one...hah...

Are we all already traveling together, and are just entering the Gryphon's Nest? Or is Larson not with us, but sitting in the tavern watching us come in?

Sir Roland has just paid 5 crowns - for the 5 members of the party. :) Speaking and behaving so arrogantly requires some backing up with real stuff - money in this case.

In reply to Sir Roland Halfstaff (msg # 24):

Really sorry sir Roland :)

It's my age and I had a senior moment

I've updated my post to reflect that we are in fact travelling companions :)

Hey Larson, don't be sorry. I was just clarifying. :D

And hope nobody (I mean players...heh...) is putoff by Sir Roland. Hahaha he is a stiff-necked and at times insufferable bastard. But that's just 1 facet of his personality...

Apologies, it's my fault, as I kept things blurred while I wasn't sure if/when the last two characters joined from the beginning or not (and so far they are not).
There are three characters travelling together from Castle Tyntern: Roland, Garl and Larsson. The other two will have to join at a later point.
Maybe Sir Roland wants to edit the post when he put the money n the table ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:26, Tue 05 Dec 2017.

No worries DM. Thanks for clarifying. I'll edit my post. :)

Guys, DM, let me know if you want the conversation piece to move faster. I will then do less rp and just write my intentions for Sir Roland instead.

Actually I love roleplay, but I understand that people may want to move a pace, especially when we are not (yet) in the thick of the action.
What everybody ense thinks / prefers?

Conversation is good otherwise we might just as well play D&D lol

I don’t mind the conversation.

Let's take inventory of what we have. See what else we need. I will list some of the items I think we may need. You can add your names to the end if you have it in your pack. Also, please feel free to add whatever else you think we will need.

1. Lantern & Oil (Sir Roland)
2. Torches
3. Tinderbox (Sir Roland)
4. Rope x2
5. Hook & Grapple
6. Rations
7. Sacks x2 (Sir Roland)

Ok Larson. Sir Roland has 17 crowns left in his pouch. While he is a generous man, and he is now acting like the leader of the trio that he thinks he is because of his rank, he does not take kindly to the unnecessary, whether words, deeds, or purchases. :)

Sorry will post later had a rush on at work and ended up doing two late nights in a row

It's cool Larson.

Everyone...I will slow down on the posting. So that the story doesn't move to fast, and so that everyone gets to post what they wanna do and say...

Previously I missed this:


Well... actually in this game (according to your character sheet) you are Human, not Dwarf! ;)

Hey GM. Just a heads up for you.

I was looking at the info in your other Advanced Fighting Fantasy game. So I have revised my charsheet accordingly as such:
- Special skill - replaced Bows(2) with Armor(2).
- Special skill - replaced Jump(1) with Bows(1).
- Armor - replaced Plate Armor with Chainmail Hauberk.

This should bring Sir Roland more in line with the rules and what is allowed in them.

Actually, the bits of ruleset associated to these changes are in this game too...

Hah...ok. Then I have corrected my charsheet accordingly then.

For game purposes, let’s stipulate that everybody got ten of the rations Garl bought.... and that’s he’s somewhat annoyed.

Don’t take his muttered curses and threats too seriously, however.

Also, he has an extra rope, if someone wants it.

In reply to The Director (msg # 37):

That's because I was originally going to have him as a northern dwarf but then thought of strontium dogs Viking side kick and changed him to a huge hairy human

Note that Sir Roland put up 8 gold to offset the 17 gold it all costs. Also, Garl could ask to share the cost too. Which wouldn't be out of character as Garl is a mercenary. He is right?


So what are you Larson? Hairy human? I'll edit my posts accordingly...

Yes nearly 7foot of bearded northman :)

Apologies for the lack of posting on holiday next week so trying to clear my desk at work before I go

So GM, do you want to run the fight in parallel, as in Garl's and Larson's, together with Roland's? Or will it be separate fights?

Let me know if I need to roll more die. Or do I wait for the rest.

No, we have to wait for the other two characters to go through their round of combat before moving on.

Hello,

said first of all that I have no business whatsoever with Arion Games and therefore I earn nothing from this, I would like to flag that there are significant Christmas discounts both on Arion Games website and on RPGNow, in case you wanted to get AFF rulebook, etc.

Apologies for not posting in the combat was supposed to finish work for the holidays in Friday but ended up working yesterday to get a project out the door.


Now in holiday so will post soon

Sorry one quick question is Larson still fighting his goblin or did the hit kill it

Don't worry, these things do happen.
No Goblin died insofar.

So GM, do I have Roland continue with the interrogation? Or should I wait for responses from Larson and Garl?

I'd say it's up to you, but don't move things too far forward, as they both posted recently.

EDIT: actually Larson excused himself for not being able to post, so I will play him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Tue 19 Dec 2017.

Sorry, I got an early warning in another game: let's be very careful in maintaning this game NOT a mature, NOR and adult game, as it is currently, and steer very far away from doubtful situations ;)

Lol Garl...you sure have many useful spells and cantrips available at hand! Did you choose them specifically? Or are they part of a entire body of spells your character is able to cast at will without much study or prep?

I have been playing mages in DnD as well as other systems. I can't imagine someone choosing a spell like Slip or Honesty. This is considering that there are always too few spell slots for too many spells, hence priority is often given to combat spells, and some more widely useful utility spells.

I meant that Sir Roland, upon camping for the night, takes out 3 meals to share with his companions. So it's just for the evening meal.

But actually I had thought the ration portions are each sufficient for 1 day. So it is actually 1 portion signifying only 1 meal each?


Just to clarify my post - Watches are set. 2 hour periods each session. Roland 1st. Then Larson. And Last Garl. And if needed, start over with Roland again. And so on until dawn.

You are supposed to have two meals a day and one night sleep a day to recover your strengths (i.e. prevent STAMINA losses and cure possible injuries, bruises etc.)
However, as you are not injured, fatigued, etc. you can manage not having two square meals a day and not having full nights of sleep without losing STAMINA.
I just want to make sure you are aware of this, as in the future maybe you will be injured and looking for making a recovery.
Noted your point about watches, last night you were lucky as you all slept and nothing bad happened.

Thanks for the clarification DM. I am learning the mechanics and world. :)

Actually my intention for the watch arrangement for last night was the same as now. Roland said he will take 1st watch IC. But yes I will make things clearer from now on. :)

Apologies Director. Missed your earlier question.

Sir Roland doesn't enter the forest proper, but keeps on the path while looking for deer/boar or larger game tracks.

A fair succession of bad rolls...

Merry Christmas, everyone! :)

Thanks Director!

Blessed Christmas everyone! :D

Hey Larson...:) Hope to see you back in action soon. :D

And Director, do you think you want to ask for more players? :)

Right now I'm happy with the three of you. Larson wrote me he has some problem, but should be OK soon :)

Good to hear Larson is coming back. :D

And yeah I've edited my earlier post in light of Larson's going ahunting, and also since a litter is not needed for Garl.

So Director, I should delete all items in Roland's inventory that he left at the campsite with Garl. :(

Yup done.

Also, do we need to keep track of how many arrows left?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Wed 27 Dec 2017.

Is my spellbook missing?  Also, did I recover any magic points prior to getting mauled in my sleep?

Hem... actually in AFF you don't need a spellbook, however, if you had any book with you, it is still there, just a bit smudged with mud.
You paid very dearly your decision to sleep, so at least you should be allowed to recover your MAGIC POINTS.

Absolutely!
However, I will never double check...

As you are going back to Gallows End, it may be an opportunity for somebody else to join you there, so I will open the game to possible new players.

Excellent! :D

Hi guys sorry for the absence was hoping family would have left by now but they have decided to stay until the weekend so been a bit busy.

:) May your time with your family be meaningful and full of joy Larson.

Sounds like you failed your luck roll, Larson.

Enjoy yur family time as log as it lasts ;)

Hello, I will be away from the 30th of January to the 26th of February. During this time, my chances of connecting to internet will be unlikely.

Hey guys :)  New player checking in and still finalising a few details.

Overall concept is archer/scout, a local from Gallows End keen to explore and see new things.

Noted your absence period Director. :)

And welcome Rorn! :D

With a bit of luck we will complete this adventure by then ;)

Rorn and Galendra will be two adventurous villagers joining you once if you get back to Gallows End ;)

Happy new year :)

Greetings, folks!

We are now all in the Gryphon's Nest. A good opportunity to get to know each other, rest, regroup, get some more people to join the expedition (somebody like Rorn and Galendra, for example...) and then go back out there, on the way to Hellwinter Peak.

Thanks for the clarification Director.

I mentioned in my earlier IC post that Roland will smoke the whole batch of bear meat over the evening campfire. But yeah, the party will not stop to smoke meat but instead hurry back to Gallows End asap.

I'll edit my post accordingly.

Never mind, you'll do the smoking at Gallows End.

Happy new year!!!

Blessed New Year 2018 everyone! :D

Happy New Year, indeed! More misery ahead, but with a tinderbox and a rusty sword, perhaps we can make a dent in the Forces Of Evil!

A dent in the Forces of Evil indeed! Heh I'll drink to that!

Anyways just a heads up for Rorn and Galendra. Roland, Garl and Larson are back in the village to rest and resupply. They won't tarry but will be heading out really soon. Do be more forward in expressing your desire to join up. There won't be much inclination on Sir Roland's part to wax lyrical and trade pleasantries. :)

So if Roland's responses are blunt and terse, it's not because I don't like to rp with you, but yeah...

Ah, cross-posts :P

... the joy of PbP gaming! Eh, we can just shuffle them in our minds, no harm done to the space-time continuum ;)

Post updated :)

Welcome again Galendra and Rorn. :) We hope you will enjoy your stay with us. *a wicked glint twinkles in the man's sinister eyes*

The innkeep's offer is very generous. Roland is inclined to take it up. Thoughts?


Lol! What 4th wall? What camera? :D

Garl really caught AFF cinematic approach... maybe even too much! :D

The innkeep's offer is very generous. Roland is inclined to take it up. Thoughts?

Yup it sounds good :)

Please let me know IC if you are OK to proceed like this and make sure you double check your equipment consequently. Then we can go back to the forest and hopefully reach the other side swiftly.

Roger that Director. Will speed things up on my side now.

EDITED...AGAIN...

So here is my suggested loadout for each person:
1. Iron Rations x8 (considered 8 backpack items)
2. Bedroll (considered 1 backpack item)
3. Heavy Winter Cloak or Blanket (to be worn)
4. Tinderbox (considered 0 backpack item)
5. Sack x2 (considered 0 backpack item)
6. Torches x3 (considered 1 backpack item)

Iron Rations, Bedroll, Tinderbox, Torches and Sacks will be in our backpacks. Cloak or blanket to be worn.

In addition, each will also be carrying your normal load of weapons - swords, daggers, bows, arrows, etc.

Also, every person can have, for no extra encumbrance, a waterskin and money pouch.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Fri 05 Jan 2018.

Good call on a tinderbox, adding one now.

Character sheet updated :)

1 iron ration = 1 item (for this reason, having various hunters in the group will help)
Tinderboxes and sacks do not occupy space in the backpack.
Bedroll = 1 item
blanket = 1 item (you can use the old trick of indicating them as your warm cloak, so it won't be in the backpack)
Torches x3 = 1 item

All the items that you suggested will be part of your "deal" with the Inn.

Thanks Director. Edited the suggest loadout post and Roland's charsheet accordingly.

Ready to move out.


I would prefer the luck roll approach. So that we get past the "miscellany" and get right into the meat of the adventure at Hellwinter. But I wait to hear all your opinions. :)

I am all about the Luck rolls :)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 11:48, Fri 05 Jan 2018.

In alternative, you can just roleplay everything step by step, choosing different paths, if you want, which may have advantages and disadvantages.

I would prefer the luck roll approach. So that we get past the "miscellany" and get right into the meat of the adventure at Hellwinter. But I wait to hear all your opinions. :)

I don't strongly mind either way; a small interlude in the forest would probably help my character prove himself better, since he will be less useful in a strict "dungeon maze".  On the other hand, I understand if the other players want to get to the Tower having already had one wilderness interlude and at the pace of play-by-forum, it can feel like forever :P

I haven't read the game thread from the start (gah spoilers!  Did you like it when Kylo Ren pulled out that ... shhhhh) so if there are side paths and unexplored areas "on the way to the dungeon" then they could be fun to check out  *grin*

We get to fight Kylo Ren?  Awesome!

I've not watched that last installment.

*...looks around for any Star Wars diehards nearby; raises his arms ready for a bombardment...*

Is it any good? :D

Me neither, but later on this month I will have more time for it.
BTW, I'm thinking about running a Star Wars campaign in March or April... it is something I never did before. [This hopefully will save me from Star Wars diehard bombardment... ;) ]

By the way, we have now two players preferring to roll for LUCK and move to the mountain climb ASAP and two players preferring to roleplay the Forest.
Sounds like Larson's choice will be the deciding one... :)

Sounds like fun. :) I've always stayed away from Star Wars rpg thus far. I feel somehow that the world isn't as fleshed out as I would have preferred. So much so that I have difficulty getting in character.


Heh...I was in Nashua NH when Ep 1 Phantom Menace came out. The small town theatre was filled to the overflowing with fans. Even before the show began, they began singing and cheering...lol..

Happy with rolling for things

Also what rules would you be using for star wars

OK please all take a test of LUCK.

01:57, Today: Sir Roland Halfstaff rolled 2 using 2d6.  Luck check. vs 10.

14:49, Today: Garl Ligoosh rolled 7 using 2d6.  Test luck.

Btw, have we gotten any luck points back?

12

Yup, figures!!  A.hahahahaaaa   *dies*

12:12, Today: Rorn rolled 12 using 2d6.  Test Luck.

Is it any good? :D

I did like it, but as we veer further and further away from Lucas' original vision I wonder if the franchise should be renamed simply  "Space Merchandising And Things Blow Up A Lot With Some Dialogue Thrown In At Times"

Oh wait, that sounds about right for Lucas' original vision, too  :P
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Sat 06 Jan 2018.

Just started my new job, so I might not be able to post until Monday, folks. Keep going, I'll catch up!

Best of luck with the new job!

Cme on with your LUCK rolls, please!
Otherwise I'll roll for you...

Sorry the wife has tidied up my books :( so I can't find anything what do I need to roll for luck

:D happens to me too. I mean the don't remember game mechanics part.

Just roll 2d6 vs your Luck score. If your roll is <= then it's a success.

This will be the second luck point we’ve spent, yes?  I’m assuming we haven’t gotten any luck points back.

Failed my Luck test! You're welcome ;)

Also, I believe every time you Test Your Luck you lose 1 point of Luck, regardless of the outcome. And you can replenish your Luck at the end of an adventure. Is that correct?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Mon 08 Jan 2018.

Also, I believe every time you Test Your Luck you lose 1 point of Luck, regardless of the outcome. And you can replenish your Luck at the end of an adventure. Is that correct?

Yup that's what the QuickStart rules say, and what I remember from the FFGamebooks back in the day as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Mon 08 Jan 2018.

That's correct: you roll under and then deduct one point of LUCK (so next time rolling under will be more difficult) whatever the result of your roll.

Did we replace our equipment in town?

Yes we did. Look at msg #96 for the suggested load out items for each person.

And all these provided for by the innkeep Wyatt who took the bear meat in exchange.

Correct.
(but it is not a town.... just a small village...)

Galendra, Rorn, and Larson were kidnapped by fairies, that much is obvious ;)

Maybe we need to burn down the whole forest and smoke out those pesky little Tinklebells...;P

"And it was all a dream ..."

Finally my home connection is working again! Let me have dinner and I'll be back to you!
I could connect from work but the corporate firewall makes RPoL inaccessible (rightly), so apologies for not being able to communicate my connection issue...

The thee adventurers that got lost can continue their adventures in Group 2 ;)

Thanks for keeping us updated Director. Appreciated. :) And great that your home connection is restored! I am sure the blessings of that restoration extends way beyond our game. :D

It was quite unpleasant being able to connect from work but not being able to update you on my technical difficulties... :/

Luckily this pit lacks a regular Pit Fiend.

So Garl and Sir Roland will camp in wait at the foot of Hellwinter Peak for you guys to catch up ok? And of course subject to any random encounter the Director cooks up for us.

Let us know when and how much rations we need to consume!

Your companions are a bit struggling right now, but hopefully it won't take long... one way or the other! ;)

Ok I know this is alittle metagaming, but should Garl and Sir Roland go and help them?

Well... that's up to you, but there is a timing issue: they are stuck in the second day by now and you are at the end of the third... not sure how to manage that.

@Director: In that case, I suppose a backtracking of the posts might be necessary. Retro'ing Garl and Sir Roland's pushing on along the path. Get the pair to go look for Larson and the rest instead.

@Garl: Is this something you wanna do? That Garl and Roland doesn't push on, but instead goes to look for Larson and the rest? I must note here that this also introduces risks of the pair encountering some dangers that might prove overwhelming too.

Practically in real life, what we chose - which is to push on - is the most optimum decision. But since we are in a game...hahaha...anything can be changed. As long as we have the most fun...:D

My apologies for not posting, folks. Reality has become hectic on my side here ... I hope to get up to speed again, but for now, please go ahead and NPC Galendra, to her triumph ... or doom!

If the Director has no objections, I have no problem with backing up so we can assist our wayward companions.

OK, I'll find a way to make it happen.

Ok... I'll think about it! ;)

Thanks for the effort Director. Appreciate. Hope we make the deadline for your holiday at the end of this month.

Me too :)

So Director...do we roll anything? Tracking rolls maybe?

I would like to have Sir Roland leave markings on tree trunks and other "landmarks" so that the duo can find their way easily back to the path later.

Just a little bit more... I need to reach a certain point when it makes sense for you to meet them...

Now you can finally do something! ;)

Sorry guys, the ascension to Hellwinter Peak was full of dice rolls, but that's what happens when you have a stream of physical tasks in front of you... now it's time to take on the Tower! ;)

Yay! Finally!

Just a week before my holiday... :)

Nice!  Have a good trip :)

Thanks for the clarify Director.

I've edited the post to change Roland's actions slightly.

At the moment, Garl still has 16/20 magic points.

Just two or three days before my holiday, let's help each other to reach a steady point, so I won't leave you on a cliffhanger for weeks :)

Roger that Director.

I think we could break for an interval as we clear a space and settle down for the night.

Yup let's work towards that guys.

Agree :)

*thumbs up emoji*

Great run so far! Enjoyed it very much! Thanks Director! And thanks everybody! Great game!

I apologize for attempting to move the story forward at a pace rather much faster than some of us would have liked. I think. Normally, I would create space in my play to involve everyone more. So as to avoid ending up with just one or two persons saying and doing everything. But I knew we were trying to bring everyone to an appropriate point for a break.

I am good with a break now until you return from your holiday, Director. If that's still your plan. When are you planning to start this back up again?

Great fun so far :)  Pacing in play-by-forum can be tricky, and my belief is that erring on the side of faster versus slower is never a bad thing

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen! It was an honour and a pleasure playing with you!
Now the game is at a steady point and I hope I will find you again in late February, when I'll be back from holiday :)

If it doesn't bother you, I would like to ask for your feedback on how I'm running this game, so that I can improve, as I'm very rusty for GMing. I re-started playing and GMing on line after several years only last October and at that time I was thinking about having just a quick one off. I changed my mind thanks to the good players I luckily found, so the least I can do is saying thank you and asking your feedback.
Let's call this feedback exercise "the good, the bad and the ugly", so hopefully I'll understand what I need to carry on doing, what I need to correct and what mistake I absolutely need to avoid repeating.
Feel free to feedback here but, if for any reason you feel shy, you can contact me by private message as well.

All the best!

Ok so here are my thoughts.

The Good
Good players and GM.
Love this group of players. :) Generally quite responsive. Takes initiative. Offers proposals, options, many of which aren't available or apparent to the rest of the group because not everyone has the same abilities/skills. I have been in a thankfully small number of games where the GM and/or players disappear, the game gets stalled and dies, etc. Honestly this is understandable given the nature of people, nature of the PBP game, and real life. But still those were basically a whole waste of time I would much prefer not have too much of. :)

Good overall direction.
I thought the adventure as a whole was quite directed, meaning I felt there was a good clear solid goal to guide us along. At the same time there's room for the characters to explore, go off the so-called beaten track, come up with creative delightful applications of their abilities, and have some side encounters/adventures. Love it!

Good scenes.
The scene descriptions are pretty good. The language and words are clear and good enough. But specifically, I mean the situation as it presents itself, is quite well put forth. The possible or potential options, are nicely provided (ie: Not so obvious as to be almost OOC or "Choose Your Own Adventure" 'ish. But allows characters to exercise initiative to look closer, investigate, examine, explore, try stuff.)

Accompanying scene music.
Heh...this is new to me. But yeah I like this. :D

The Bad
Little character interactions.
I thought there hasn't been too much character interactions. Due to a variety of reasons I believe - perhaps players aren't so into this whether from inclination or lack of time/availability, the storyline need to be moved forward to avoid stalling, etc. I don't know any real solutions for this, so. But I totally get it that depending on the players and DM's personality and strengths, as well as the storyline needs, this is frequently a very very subjective thingy that is best-effort at best.

The Ugly
Nothing here so far. Nothing has yet left a bad taste in my mouth, or made me go "Ewwww...". :D

---

Keep it up Director! Everyone! See you all again real soon!

I re-started playing and GMing on line after several years only last October

My experiences in RPOL go wayyy back, but this is my first game here after a long hiatus as well :)
Also my first game of Adv.F.Fantasy, although I think I played all the gamebooks as a kid (Deathtrap Dungeon, anyone??  heheh)   I don't have a copy of the rules, just the Quick Guide, FYI.

Let's call this feedback exercise "the good, the bad and the ugly", so hopefully I'll understand what I need to carry on doing, what I need to correct and what mistake I absolutely need to avoid repeating.

Some thoughts in random order

1.  A table-top game necessarily has a lot more interaction and 'table talk'; play-by-forum has other strengths such as less time commitment, the potential for daily play, a clear written record and the ability to slow the pace down and also speed it up when necessary.  The 'ugly' side can be that it takes forever to get anywhere, so it behooves the GM to fast forward often :)

2.  Player drop outs are always a thing in this format, my advice is to keep actively recruiting even if you have "enough" players at any given time.  You can always add people as lurkers who can be quickly added in case you need a replacement.

3.  Post the map in every major DM update, with clear markings about where players went and what they found.  Just quick one liners will suffice to remind players, who are easily confused but quick to recover :P
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Tue 30 Jan 2018.

Hello everybody!
As expected, my access to internet is very poor at best, but this is a pleasant detox from electronics!
Please keep the feedback coming!

PS I have a Deathtrap Dungeon conversion for AFF2 ;-)

a pleasant detox from electronics

Not for me :P  I finally caved and got Netflix so now there are just about a million things to un-detox on

ahaha

Deathtrap Dungeon?  I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the Bloodbeast!

“Sukumvit is a worm!”

Woot! Looking forward! Don't think I ever played that in my teenage years, but yeah can't remember anyways!

Talking about Deathtrap Dungeon, I'm currently not far from (real life) Fang...

There is a real life Fang?

Deathtrap Dungeon was heavily inspired by a trip to Thailand by Ian Livingstone (and Sorcery by a trip to Nepal by Steve Jackson...)

A bit more than a week and we can go back to the game... ;)

Interesting.  I was unaware of that.

I'm back! ;)

Welcome back :)

Welcome back Director. :)

Looking forward to the adventure continuing. :)

Rorn...never said this earlier. Really appreciate your listing of the already explored areas and what we found in each. It's helpful. :)

Ok while we enter the tower, here's my suggested formation. Thoughts?

3 rows:
Larson, Sir Roland
Garl, Galendra
Rorn

2 rows:
Larson, Sir Roland
Garl, Galendra, Rorn

Single file:
Sir Roland,
Larson,
Garl,
Galendra,
Rorn

Thoughts?

With a special skill in Awareness (+2) as well as Hawkeye, my character is your point-main/scout .. however since he in light armour and lacking a melee weapon skill he is rightfully not going to tank the bad guys.

So I think we can proceed with these marching orders generally and let Rorn scout around once in a while?

Well that changes things. :)

3 rows:
Rorn#, Sir Roland
Larson#, Garl
Galendra

2 rows:
Rorn#, Sir Roland
Larson#, Garl, Galendra

Single file:
Rorn*,
Sir Roland*,
Larson,
Garl,
Galendra,

#Larson is ready to push forward and take Rorn's place when any hostile is encountered.

*Sir Roland follows very closely behind/beside Rorn. The knight is ready to push forward when any hostile is encountered.

And yup, here and there where appropriate, let's have Rorn do some scouting ahead. :)

Looks good to me.

The only issue is that Galendra disappeared for a while... :/
I would give her a couple of days more to come back, then I think we can think about removing the character or looking for another player willing to pick it up....

Nest of giant rats, and Sir Roland hears nothing as he moves near?

He hears nothing in particular (the author of the module addressed that detail), but he's not surprised.

In the very brief fight (which is still going on now) can Sir Roland see if these are just normal Giant Rats, or are they Undead Giant Rats? Or is there anything else that might mark them as anything other than of the natural animal world?

Also, how many are there anyway? A whole swarm of hundreds? Or just maybe 20+ ?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Thu 01 Mar 2018.

Normal giant rats, not undead.

Hi there will try to post later have a crisis here at the moment....turns out the builder who did my extension 4 years ago didn't know what thermal pipe lagging was....due to all the snow and cold weather in the UK all the pipes under the extension are frozen and I've had to take up my suspended floor to get to them to unfreeze and lag.....

Is the pipework still intact?

Yes thankfully

Ah...a most unpleasant problem to have in winter. Hope you get everything worked out soon Larson.

When we were still living in Scotland, we came back from Christmas holiday and we found that heating failed, causing freezing in the house and a frozen pipe had burst... not the best comeback...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Fri 02 Mar 2018.

Personally, I blame the English.

Let's see if we can find a new Gal...

Welcome to the new Gal! ;)

Did we just go up the stairs?

Yep.

Thanks! I plan to catch up and jump in right away. Thanks for letting me join the game.

Welcome :)

Hello Galendra.

Welcome! Look forward to see you in game!

Welcome aboard, Galendra!

Quite a cinematic part of the adventure... :)

The previous spell did take effect of Rorn

Thank you kindly Garl!   Although I as a player don't know what the spell "Ironhand" does ... which is quite appropriate since my character has no ideas as well  :lol

Sir Roland swung at Gallaharn. Msg #161. :) Was that resolved GM?

Yep, Sir Gallaharn had a very good roll and you didn't even come close to hit him!

Not even close? Wow that's something...Roland's roll was only 2 points below his max possible...

He rolled a double 6... it doesn't happen often, but it happens... ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:24, Thu 15 Mar 2018.

Rorn: Ironhand gives you a temporary +1 bonus to skill.

Oh, awesome :)

And moments ago, RPOL's main screen for me indicated:

The Gates of Hellwinter Yaztromo 666

666! We should now be at 667, but I wanted to document the moment in time. ^_^

Blinding the Demoncrows proved really very useful, on this occasion!

Wow Garl...MVP yeah! Can't imagine having them peckers come at us chipping away while we engage Gallaharn!

Great job Rorn, Gal! Hah!

I had hoped we could knock out Gallaharn and then question him more later. Oh well... Onwards to victory!

Thank you very much!

Let's properly wrap up Scene 4 before moving on! ;)

Right. Gimme abit time to post...

Sorry...been busy recently...

please have a good read at the rules about armor

Reading that reminded me to mention that I have not been able to procure a copy of the rules yet; I just have the Quickstart guide and things like that are not in there.

So, if Rorn seems particularly clueless about a certain topic, don't blame him overmuch: it's all me!  :-)

Let's properly wrap up Scene 4 before moving on! ;)

Agreed, I don't believe we are in a hurry, IC, and have some hurts to heal as well.

OOC question: can Garl cast healing spells?  Just curious as I have no idea as a player how magic works in AFF.

OOC question 2:  My mental map indicates we have explored the whole tower, is this correct?

Cheers!  -R

You can find the rules about armor here link to a message in this game near the end of the thread.

Thanks, I meant to print that thread out and add it to my notes .. but never did.

Got it now :)

Just saw Black Panther   Thumbs up!

Good to know ;)

Yes, it is correct.

I just opened up the Deathtrap Dungeon as well... ;)

Does the bear cape, um, turn Rorn into a rabid werebear?

Not yet... insofar makes him feel warm.

Larson has some issue and hasn't posted for a while.
I will leave him at Hellwinter Tower until he can post regularly again: no point to have him at the Crystale Cage right now.

My vote: if we are leaving Larson behind, then we should probably confirm that Sir Roland is still with us too?

[OOC as far as I understand, Rorn picked up the hat, Gal found a place to hide the chainmail armour in the Tower and you left everything else at the Tower?
Is it correct?]

Hat .. did you mean cape?

I believe we have the diary, map, silver mace and other items we found in the tower (Sir Roland has that stuff) as well as the sword.

I assume we will take the Luck potion and wine flask with us too ... Rorn will take them if no one else will !!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Sat 24 Mar 2018.

Apart from Sir Gallaharn's Shield in Sir Roland's character sheet, I can't see anything in your character sheets, so I don't know who has what.

Understood, updating character sheet now

Also: it occurs to me that it may be Spring Break for some folks, which may explain recent slowdowns/disappeances

I'm totally cool with a short hiatus at this point if it means a better chance at reuniting the team

This is the perect thread for asking for a break ;)

Galendra hid Gallaharn’s chainmail somewhere at Hellwinter.

Sorry, I'm dragging a bit my feet hoping that Larson and Sir Roland will be back to their usual posting regime...

Not a problem.

Agreed, no problem waiting here either :)

I think I will go back to full pace on Monday or Tuesday, so in the meanwhile you can enjoy your time off ;)

Hey guys,

So sorry. Been really swamped recently. I will need another week to get back on my feet. Basically after Easter.

My apologies again guys.

That's OK, we can take it easy for a week. Hopefully that will be enough for Larson to get back as well.

During Easter break we relaxed a bit our pace, but from tomorrow we shall be back to our usual one post a day, OK?

Here!

Ready and willing.

I am here!

Sir Roland has lost a lot of LUCK points, so, as nobody wanted it, he drinks the Luck potion with pleasure.

Yup looks like a wise move to me, no objections here :)

warmly suggests that somebody else picks up the silver mace.

Rorn lacks a melee weapon, and training, but he will heft it for now

If you think you have a particularly good way to protect yourself from cold, you may want to share it with me and I will tell you if it helps to some extent inside the caves

Um, bearskin cape?  *grin*

Also, does Garl have a spell for this perhaps?

Reply for Rorn.
[Private to Rorn: Um, bearskin cape?  *grin*
Yes, it is a fair option. ;)]

I will be offline starting now, returning Monday. Feel free to NPC Galendra.

Have a good trip  :)

Not long to finish the first adventure: this is the last scene :)
I need to start looking at the second one... ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:11, Fri 06 Apr 2018.

Welcome back, Gal! :)

For good or for bad, we are approaching the end of the first adventure.

We have the following options:
1) We shake hands and say hello on a high.
2) We move on to the second adventure of the series, written (half-written, actually) by the very same author. This means that I need a few days to review it and properly wrap it up, as the adventure is not ready to be played as it is right now.
3) We make a trick and send the players to another world where I have plenty of adventures ready to be played. This means moving to a different game but keeping your characters, your experience and your background story, although you will be in a another world/time.
4) both option 2 and option 3, i.e. your character will become two characters in two games and they will develop differently. Who knows, maybe in future they will even have a chance to meet.

This could be a good time to start thinking about your next move.

We make a trick and send the players to another world

Hmm, that buzzing black hole maybe :P

I'm up for #2, #3. I kind of like the GURPS-like character portability. Bamf! You're under the sea. Bamf! You're in outer space. Bamf! Cthulhu fhtagn.

It's all fun and games until someone summons Cthulhu

That is such a Goat With A Thousand Young thing to say.

I also vote for both #2 and #3.  And was that 200 gold crowns for all of us, or each of us?

One more question... is it okay if I spend most of my XP on stamina?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Fri 20 Apr 2018.

200 golds for each of you.
I'll copy and paste how you can spend your XPs to the main game info thread. You can do what you want along that guidelines.

Of course the trick for going to another world (option #3) is that, in that timeline, while running out of the Crystal Cave you were surrounded by the spikes and you actually decided to jump in the dark hole with strange sounds coming from it.
The alternative game you will have to join is this: link to another game so please give me your actual nickname when your RTJ and you can port your character sheet after spending your XPs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:23, Fri 20 Apr 2018.

It was nice meeting you all and all the best in and around RPOL.  Cheers!

Thank you and all the best! :)
Maybe we'll come across each other in the future!

Can I play two guys in the Blackmoore campaign?  I’m already playing Rudjam.

Sure you can, as long as they are not in the same adventure.

So far only Galendra moved across words.
There is no pressure for it, you can do what is more fun for you. Just let me know.

I'm a bit late on putting together the second adventure, but don't worry: it is coming, it is just a matter of a bit more time.

I'm going to look for new players to replace our leavers in the new adventure. If you have friends that may be interested, they are welcome!
Right now I have two confirmed characters that will carry on playing in the second part: Galendra and Garl Ligoosh.
Any More?

I’m looking forward to this.

I completed the work on the text of the adventure (the second adventure is The Three Beggars), now we need to get the players ;)
Who is there?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:23, Mon 07 May 2018.

Me, of course.

Hopefully, more players will join soon.
If you feel like, you can help by inviting somebody that you think may be interested.

Is it okay to invite someone who doesn’t have much AFF experience?

Absolutely! Part of the reasons why I am running games here, referring mostly to the quickstart guide, is that I'd like to give as much people as possible a try with AFF!

I just bumped once more the "searching players" advertisement... hopefully we'll have some new players soon...

We don't have new players.
What shall we do?

Unfortunately, it looks like I'll have to close this game and move all action to Blackmoor Living World. Garl can join The Inn between the Worlds and we can carry on there.
I'll give it until Monday, then I'll move on along these lines. :/

Sounds like we found the third player when hope was getting very low for this game!

Glad to hear it.

Assuming Garl also returns to the tower?

Yep, it makes sense coming and going together.

I will be offline until early July while camping in the Sierras. See you upon my return!

Wow! Enjoy that!

Next week will be particularly heavy for me. Please be patient if I don't post everyday, as it may happen.

No problem.

Next week I will be away for work. I don't know if I will be able to post, but I hope so.

What happens? did you get stuck?

Is it everything OK?

Here.

Yes, still here.

OK, so are you waiting for a hint on my side or something else to move on?

In reply to The Director (msg # 275):

I was not sure if we give up our post to follow the elf's information ?

That's your decision to take.

Galendra logged in last time two weeks ago :/
I guess she may want to stay back... :(

Probably this is a good time to look for more players to join...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Sat 28 July 2018.

In reply to The Director (msg # 278):

I am new ;) just joined! Glad to start my first AFF campaign in years though I have the entire collection of FF game books ;) excluding some of the newer ones

In reply to Stormrider Sureheart (msg # 279):

Welcome.

Thank you!

Apologies for the absence. I'll drop back in if I'm still needed and welcome!

You are welcome, of course.

Oops I think we started with two meals right? 3 days = 6 meals
I think I am dead.

There was a chance of getting more food at the Tower. That's why I repeated to take a careful note of what you carry with you...
You can still fix it, but make sure you do it right.

Thanks how many meals can I carry? 10?

Every meal takes a slot in your backpack.

How many slots does a backpack have?

10 slots in a backpack.

Thanks means 9nmeals since I got a bedroll?

Depends on what else you carry. If you have one more object, yes, it's nine meals.

1,000 posts! A good achievement for this campaign! :)
Thank you for playing with me!

Do we get bonus xp for hitting 1k posts? hehe

Sure, sure... ;P

My Mirror Selves vanished after being hit?  I thought they were supposed to survive being hit.

You are right: I mixed up two different rulesets... :S
I edited my post.

During last couple of days I came home from work too tired to post, apologies.
Hopefully today will be a better day ;)

We are now at the final wrap up, before the Epilogue! ;)

As usual, please help me doing a better job (always according to my very limited abilities to run games) with your comments.
I'm especially interested on the good (things that you liked and that you want to see again), the bad (things that need to be rectified) and the ugly (things that you really don't want to see anymore!)

It's awesome but I am very sad that I lost a skill point:(

The best thing you can do now is asking the Baron's help ;)

Who is the baron? Can I bring the cursed dagger to him? Mayb trade for something useful? If he uses the dagger and becomes evil then we can kill him
Btw can we open the library that can only be opened by the staff?

The Baron of Tyntern is YOUR Baron (see link to a message in this game), the nobleman that charged you of guarding the Hellwinter Tower and just made you a knight.

Of course you can bring to him the cursed dagger, although it doesn't seem to me  great present.

You can indeed try opening the Library of Skelo with the Staff of Hamaskar... it is in fact the objective of the next installment of this adventure path! ;)

OK, we are at the end of the second adventure of the trilogy: this is the right time to bow out, if you had enough of Hellwinter.
In alternative, we can move on with the third adventure (I need to work on it, as the original author passed on to me just notes and not a ready-to-play adventure) or you can jump to The Inn Between the Worlds in my Blackmoor game.
We can also do a mix of all of the above, including opening the game to new players and new characters.

What do you think?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:22, Sun 21 Oct 2018.

Happy to wait and advance to the third adventure when its ready.

I m ready too! Just checking are our social status still peasants or knights? N did I trade the staff for dagger?

You passed on the staff to Garl. You can take the knife, if you want: nobody else expressed interest in it.

Ah so I can willingly give up the staff cool! If I keep the dagger but don't use it I will not be affected right?

Giving away the staff was a bit painful but you could do it.
You believe that the knife won't affect you as long as you don't use it.

Looking forward to the next chapter of Hellwinter!

I am too... So did the baron gimme a magical sword to replace the dagger?

OK, I need a couple of weeks to prepare decently the new adventure, as the notes are quite a mess.
Please be patient!

Looking forward to it, patiently.

Sorry, it is taking longer than I thought... apologies.

No problem boss

Same here.  No problem.

Still here. Just overworking....

Getting there: I will start the new adventure during the week end.
Who will be there?

In reply to The Director (msg # 318):

Robustous will.

I opened The Fall of Skelo for play!

I'm in if there's space

You should be able to see the Group 4 thread (The Fall of Skelo, scene 1): your posts are welcome! ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:51, Sun 09 Dec 2018.

I'll be there!  Sweet....
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Tue 11 Dec 2018.

A few questions.

First, did those elven boots turn out to be anything special?  Do they take up an equipment slot?

Also, do my spellbook and waterskin take up slots?

I will obviously not be taking my lantern and oil with me, as the staff generates light.

Let's say that right before the ceremony you found a suitable way to enlarge a bit the Elven Boots, to fit your size.
They do allow Sneaking (+1) as the Special Skill with the same name.

You don't need a spellbook in AFF2, as far as I can remember.

Let's say that the waterskin is an extra as you can also hang it on the saddle.

Do we all get the boots?

There was only one pair of boots (they were at Elbereth's feet and she had only two feet).
[Private to Robustous Clovetrue: By the way, the coin that you found in the room with ash is a "Tricky Gold Crown", a truly magic item: whenever the coin is flipped, it will always show tails, but, if examined, the Tricky Crown appears normal in all regards!]

Also, does my staff take up a slot?  Asking because you said we get ten items, plus weapons and armour.  (I want to make sure I’m not misunderstanding this.)

The Staff is a weapon... and, given the powers of the Staff, you can't carry other weapons as well!

Okay, I think I’m ready.  I’m carry four extra meals in my backpack and using two slots for gold, with another ten meals stored in my saddlebags.

Just in case you are interested, please be aware that Arion Games (the publisher of Advanced Fighting Fantasy 2e, etc.) is having a Christmas sale with 40% discount on almost every digital product: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/b.../pub/667/Arion-Games

Disclaimer: I do not get whatsoever profit from this - I'm giving you this heads up in case you are interested in owning more AFF2 material.

Just a heads up that I am going to be on holiday from the 5th to the 13th with no internet. Cheers.

Cymon.

Enjoy that!!!

While you are in open badlands, I suggest you create a kind of routine: travel while hunting, sleeping with sentries, order of march, etc. so we can proceed faster.

If you want, I can roll for your hunting, to make things smoother.

In reply to The Director (msg # 335):

I am fine with that.


-

What does the globe do again?

I suppose a hydra is evil?

I will be on holiday from 8th to 17th of March and I don't think I will be able to post during that time :)

Enjoy!

Little announcement: tomorrow I will start a relocation to another continent, that will keep me busy for a while.
Perhaps tomorrow I will be able to post, but probably Thursday not and I expect this interruption to last perhaps up to a week.
Don't worry: I will be back soon!

Sorry, I'm still too jet lagged to resume posting... ten time zones are hitting me very hard...

You need a Shield of Ten Time Zones.

I didn't find it at the supermarket, but I think I'm well enough to resume posting ;)

Is a crown just one gold piece?

Yes it is.

Whoa!  That knife attack was unexpected, especially from this character.

When he mentioned the hooded man I thought of the seven serpents ferryman lol

Perhaps that's what inspired the author of this adventure!

Does my Phial of Antidote only have one dose?

In reply to Garl Ligoosh (msg # 351):

Just one dose.

Should we add the luck point to our initial luck?

It is a recovered LUCK point, so you should add it to your current LUCK. If your current LUCK is already equal to your initial LUCK, then you get no benefit.
I just modified the post making clearer that it is a recovered LUCK point.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:35, Wed 01 May 2019.

How much stamina have I regained?  I lost six hp when I got stabbed, and my sheet still has me down four.  But didn’t we rest since then?

In general, if you don't have tents or similar good shelter in the night, you don't recover STAMINA due to the cold climate of this harsh, nordic land.
For example, resting in the sheltered room you found in the Elven ruins may be a good idea under this point of view, assuming there are no other dangers associated with sleeping underground in an ancient ruin.

For your information, during next week or two I will be relocating / transitioning to another place, with associated potential issues, including potential delays in having a working broadband and no posts on my side.
If you don't see me around for a few days, please be patient while I go through this.

Congratulations, ladies and gentelmen! You are now ready to go into the ruins of the fabled city of Skelo!
However, I need to organise a bit better this part of the adventure before being able to run it properly and I couldn't find the time to do it before (you know why: my long range relocation...), so I'm halting temporarily this game for a time as short as possible before pushing forward for the final climax of the trilogy!

Sure sure boss take ur time;) do we get xp yet or only after the ruins are completed?

This is not the end of the adventure, just the end of the scene ;)

In reply to The Director (msg # 358):

OK no problem.

I didn't iron out all details as I wanted, but I did enough and I don't want to keep you away from the game any more.

I expect to be without broadband from tomorrow until Tuesday and I'm not sure if I'll be able to find a suitable, alternative arrangement for posting.
Apologies, if there will be a small break in my posting.

Sorry, but i am still without broadband and with my sausage fingers posting on the mobile is a torture.
Please be patient.

Broadband fixed! :)

Stuck at the enigma of the locket?