Sigh.
And all because of the word 'inability'.
Just call it anything that prevents one to not know when it is one's turn.

What this tells me, is that we could clarify initiative, to basically be as obvious as possible.

I do sense that this means I have to be a tad more active as to constantly check who has posted, who is lacking, and PM when it is their turn. I must admit, part of me feels annoyed by this. I agree it could be more obvious, but I will not babysit a game - to a point where I have to ask everyone constantly to act. They should be able to do so.
If not, because they are in doubt, then the issue is mine, but if they choose to not act, or not ask if in doubt, then I insist on pointing some blame and lack of effort at players who do not show effort here. Simple as that.

I am, and have always been solution orientated however.
So perhaps running a precombat check for initiative as now, split it up into players -> monsters -> remaining players, along with bolded and bumped threads would cause it to turn red, and opening said thread would have a bold line detailing that:
Initiative -> Player X and Y, It is your turn to act now.
Once done, it would be first players again, whom would get same line. Hell, even the last player could do this, if the order is obvious enough, or?

Would this work? Or would a step by step PM system be needed?

And they are able to do so. It's not a "lack of ability." Thinking of it that way makes thinking about it unnecessarily fraught and confrontational. "Blame" is not a helpful concept here. In all probability, it's just life getting in the way, and if we knew what was really going on with people, we'd be completely understanding. But we can't always know that, or expect them to tell us.

A game that is moving is more fun than one that isn't, but let's not take it too personally, or make it too personal, when it's not. I know I have been guilty of doing exactly that, but I'm trying to mellow out.


I'm not sure I follow your description, but this last part is a good point. Knowing who comes after us (or who has yet to go) and highlighting that at the end of our turns would be helpful and help people grasp the overall order of things better.


I think PMs are worth sending only after 24 hours. And not just to say "It's your turn, please go," but to find out of the player is held up by anything.

IMHO that would be excessive and utterly contrary to my approach to support the GM whenever I can

It's fairly easy to put the current initiative as a copy-paste to each post instead of placing it on the map (indeed, now that Stahl mentioned it, it is understandable that you look at RPoL more oftenthan you do on the map, espcially if you're not moving much really)



|Vynthear     |^ 16
|Stahl        |^ 15
|<b>Foes</b>  |^ 15
|Ignatz       |^ 11
|Warfryn      |^ 10
|Saskan       |^ 6


And edit slightly with a shade (by putting = in front of one's name) to indicate that one has completed one's turn:



|=Vynthear    |^ 16
|Stahl        |^ 15
|<b>Foes</b>  |^ 15
|Ignatz       |^ 11
|Warfryn      |^ 10
|Saskan       |^ 6


We have discussed "Us-Them" previously and unless two players post at the same time (or near to anyway) it's probably the easiest way to do.
If one knows that xyz is capable of moving foes and one's current situation is unfavourable, it's probably best to wait until that player has posted.
Of course vice versa.
It would thus simply turn out as a "Bonus Turn" for those who initially act before the foes:


=> Bonus Turn for Vynthear and Stahl, then adjust to


If there is no possiblity to Change Initiative during a fight (I don't know 4E enough to evaluate that), we can skip the numbers after the Initial determination and skip making it a table, too.

We could also skip Initiative after the original determiantion of "Bonus Turns" and just list the names according to the Alphabet and everyone just posts when he can

I have thoughts, but not until after I make my move.

The enemies are up.

I just got a new message flag, but I don't see any updates. Did anyone else get that?

In reply to Stahl Tropfstein (msg # 15):

Only yours, mate, since I last checked... about 3h ago
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Tue 26 June 2018.

I think I sometimes get confused when Vynthewr posts 'corrected' posts.  A very quick glance makes me think it is his turn and therefore I am waiting for the DM to post before I take my turn.  This has happened at least once.  This is entirely my fault for not reading carefully!

I also see that Vynthear have posted without waiting for Ignatz and Saskan.  Is that what we are to do now?

GM made Ignatz' and Saskan's turn.

As for corrections... what would you prioritize... map or table... one is wrong... which one?

Dont get me wrong, I have no problem with your corrections at all!  It is just me.  With being on holiday and with scattered wifi access I have not had time to read things properly.  I would suggest that you carry on as you are doing.  All fine by me.

In reply to Warfryn (msg # 19):

No worries, I wasn't gulping that down the wrong way ^^.
I open to suggestions how to make everything easier on everyone.
For example: that table can be a real pain to update, I am aware of that. I don't know a better way though.

Challenge here is: neither Ignatz nor Saskan reistred that rally call. They have not been on since that post...
Did you also PM them ? A purple flag might be better than a red one ^^

Saskan is out. I have tried three times and npc'ed roughly the same. He is gone.

As for Ignatz, he was on, but then something happened.
I have despite this PM'ed them. But again, I want things to move on somehow and in a manner where I don't have to NPc half the players.

I would rather replace, once combat is over if it comes to that and make lessons learned.
What has been discussed is really vital - And I am happy to bold and make obvious bumps is needed.

There are some other options. I've GMed games and lost players too, and I never NPC any character, in the sense of taking actions for them. Let me know if you want to discuss options.


That's perfectly reasonable. I wouldn't recommend thinking of it as a "lesson." People get it, and it's not like Saskan would come back suddenly and wonder why the game had moved ahead without them or why they had been replaced.


Cool. I'm happy to read more closely and ask when I'm not sure.

Yes, weakened applies to spell damage. It applies to pretty much all damage except ongoing damage and flat damage.

http://dnd4.wikia.com/wiki/Weakened\

So, magic missile wouldn't be reduced, but neither would damage from the fighter's rain of steel.

So who is doing Ignatz' and Saskan's turn ?

I had an emergency at work(Yes, it is a thing we use here lol), so I will within the next hour or so.

Seems the new warning system means quick turn around.

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 26):

Well, you got our attention.

I am off to a folk festival in the Scottish Borders tomorrow.  Considering there is barely a phone signal there, I doubt I will have much chance of posting.

If I am needed please NPC Warfryn.  He was planning on staying hidden as far as possible and sniping with Eyebite.  That gives him Invisibility AND the -5 to attack him from more that 5 squares away.  If Kalarel moves closer, Warfryn will move away.

In reply to Warfryn (msg # 28):

Have fun.

Can we have Warfryn place his curse on Kalarel?

Already done .  Msg 436 of IC

In reply to Warfryn (msg # 30):

Oh, okay. I wasn't sure because it's not on the table and you didn't roll the extra damage for him when you hit him. I'll list the curse on the table when I post my next turn, if no one else does it on theirs.

I will indeed use a free HS to gain a total of 14 hits back

Okay I have my computer back, and I have internet at my new place! There was something of a mess with movers and stuff missing. Time to catch up on everything!