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13:58, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Terra Incognito (OOCs)

Posted by SteamRollerFor group 0
SteamRoller
GM, 1 post
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 26 May 2017
at 21:21
  • msg #1

OOC Discussion Thread

This is currently a work in progress.

I'm opening this thread so that those interested can engage in a discussion of the many House Rules I've adapted.

Some of those House Rules include:

1. a different wound system

2. more careers

3. Psychic careers

4. Edges & Flaws

5. Knacks

6. Adjusted/expanded Skills

8. Equipment

9. Motivations
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:17, Sun 28 May 2017.
SteamRoller
GM, 2 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 27 May 2017
at 02:21
  • msg #2

OOC Discussion Thread

Upon a bit more thinking on the game, it occurred to me that maybe each of those categories should be covered in their own thread. That way, the discussions won't get confusing.


Those threads have become the House Rules threads, so discussions on them would just clutter them up and confuse people, so we're back to this thread for any discussions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:19, Sun 28 May 2017.
_Bannacor
player, 1 post
Sat 27 May 2017
at 03:27
  • msg #3

OOC Discussion Thread

Glad to be here. :)
_Bannacor
player, 2 posts
Sat 27 May 2017
at 03:40
  • msg #4

OOC Discussion Thread

Character name shall be....drum roll..Reginald Moran
Reginald Moran
player, 3 posts
Sat 27 May 2017
at 21:32
  • msg #5

OOC Discussion Thread

Gee, where did all those folks go, that showed interest?
SteamRoller
GM, 10 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 27 May 2017
at 23:00
  • msg #6

OOC Discussion Thread

Yeah, I was wondering that, too. Maybe my 'new rules' (even though they haven't seen them yet) turned them off to the game. Some people are just die-hard traditionalists.
Reginald Moran
player, 4 posts
Sat 27 May 2017
at 23:11
  • msg #7

OOC Discussion Thread

Still trying to get the right avatar pic. it would kind of suck if no one else sighed on.
SteamRoller
GM, 11 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 27 May 2017
at 23:47
  • msg #8

OOC Discussion Thread

Well, it's only been 4 days. I can't bump it for another 3 days, I think. Plus, I haven't put up a Players Wanted post yet.

I wasn't going to do that until I have more of the details put onto the site.
Reginald Moran
player, 5 posts
Sun 28 May 2017
at 14:11
  • msg #9

OOC Discussion Thread

Just cant get the right pic for my minds eye idea for this character. le sigh
SteamRoller
GM, 23 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 28 May 2017
at 14:22
  • msg #10

OOC Discussion Thread

I know what you mean. There are so many pics, and yet, finding the right one can be hard.


You can look over the Careers thread now. Figure out what Careers you want for Reggie.

Turns out I forgot that I hadn't converted all of the Careers yet. Plus, converting to the table here is a pain in the ass, so I probably won't list all of them, just the ones that someone wants to use.
Reginald Moran
player, 6 posts
Sun 28 May 2017
at 14:24
  • msg #11

OOC Discussion Thread

 His, is an easy one. He is a former Army Officer. Horse Guards Regiment.
SteamRoller
GM, 24 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 28 May 2017
at 14:25
  • msg #12

OOC Discussion Thread

You get 2 Career options, but he can take the same one twice (usually).
Reginald Moran
player, 7 posts
Sun 28 May 2017
at 14:26
  • msg #13

OOC Discussion Thread

Oh..Well, I will have to think that one over then.
SteamRoller
GM, 25 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 28 May 2017
at 15:26
  • msg #14

OOC Discussion Thread

I think the Character Sheet is ready to go now. It appears a lot BIGGER because of the tables I used. Not sure if there a good thing or not. They may be hard to fill out.
Victoria Windlass
player, 1 post
Adventuress
Master Criminal
Sun 28 May 2017
at 16:35
  • msg #15

OOC Discussion Thread

Hi,

Looking forward to the game.


So is this a D6 based game ala West End's Games Star Wars?

As far as careers, it seems like there are no longer advanced careers that have requirements but offer superior benefits. I think those are great and would like to see them return.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Sun 28 May 2017.
SteamRoller
GM, 26 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 28 May 2017
at 18:52
  • msg #16

OOC Discussion Thread

Not sure how you figured it out, but, yeah, my friend used to play WEG's Star Wars, and with the new D6 rules being free, he jumped on that bandwagon again. It wasn't too far different from what we were already doing with Space: 1889 anyway, so we tweaked it a bit more.

Not sure what Advanced Careers are, but I'll ask my friend, who may or may not join the game and also become a co-GM.
Victoria Windlass
player, 2 posts
Adventuress
Master Criminal
Sun 28 May 2017
at 18:56
  • msg #17

OOC Discussion Thread

I am talking about the Space 1889 rules, there are careers that can be only taken as second careers, and have high requirements, but offer cool benefits.
SteamRoller
GM, 27 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 28 May 2017
at 19:01
  • msg #18

OOC Discussion Thread

Yeah, those still exist. The prerequisites for them, though, are more role-playing, such as Master Criminal can only be taken as your second career.

In another similar game I'm running (mostly freeform in the same setting), I labeled them as Pre-Adventuring Career, and Adventuring Career. The former is supposed to represent what you were doing to earn a living before the Adventuring-bug bit you.
Reginald Moran
player, 8 posts
Sun 28 May 2017
at 21:09
  • msg #19

OOC Discussion Thread

I will stick with this pic, I suppose. Can't wait to get started.
Victoria Windlass
player, 3 posts
Adventuress
Master Criminal
Mon 29 May 2017
at 00:01
  • msg #20

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

SteamRoller:
Yeah, those still exist. The prerequisites for them, though, are more role-playing, such as Master Criminal can only be taken as your second career.

In another similar game I'm running (mostly freeform in the same setting), I labeled them as Pre-Adventuring Career, and Adventuring Career. The former is supposed to represent what you were doing to earn a living before the Adventuring-bug bit you.


Do they offer greater rewards then starting careers?
SteamRoller
GM, 28 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 29 May 2017
at 00:19
  • msg #21

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Not really. If you look at the Careers thread, I put up 2 sample Careers--Adventuress and Master Criminal. ;)

As you can see, they are meant to be balanced. The only thing that might be a bonus is the Edges/Flaws.
SteamRoller
GM, 29 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 29 May 2017
at 00:30
  • msg #22

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

I still have to do the Alternate Wounds thread, the Mystic Careers thread, the Skills thread, and the Edges/Flaws thread, as well as the RTJ post.

So, Reginald, figured out your Careers yet? You can take just one Career, and freestyle the rest. Clearly you wanted to be from a prestige Cavalry Regiment, so I'll work on that.

I guess my 'house rules' scared the others away.
Reginald Moran
player, 9 posts
Mon 29 May 2017
at 00:40
  • msg #23

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Yes, he was from a Prestige Cavalry Regiment, but I am thinking of Adventurer as his second Career. is that acceptable?
SteamRoller
GM, 30 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 29 May 2017
at 00:47
  • msg #24

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Sure.
Reginald Moran
player, 10 posts
Mon 29 May 2017
at 00:51
  • msg #25

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

ok
Catherine Harston
player, 1 post
Tue 30 May 2017
at 08:12
  • msg #26

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Hello, everyone!
SteamRoller
GM, 36 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 30 May 2017
at 14:18
  • msg #27

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Has anyone started working on their character sheet yet?

At the very least, you should get a description up for your character, especially if it varies from the Portrait you've chosen.
Catherine Harston
player, 2 posts
Wed 31 May 2017
at 10:19
  • msg #28

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

In reply to SteamRoller (msg # 27):

I'm trying to find the right profession for the character I have in mind.
SteamRoller
GM, 39 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 31 May 2017
at 13:35
  • msg #29

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

A question for everyone: do you think I need to put up the Skill descriptions and the Edges & Flaws descriptions?

Both of those will be a dozen pages or so (two-dozen each for Edges and Flaws), which would have to be posted in a dozen or more post.

Basically, if anyone has a question about a particular Skill, Edge or Flaw, just ask.
Reginald Moran
player, 11 posts
Wed 31 May 2017
at 18:47
  • msg #30

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Don't drive yourself crazy GM. I don't need for all that work to be done by you.
Victoria Windlass
player, 4 posts
Adventuress
Master Criminal
Thu 1 Jun 2017
at 05:47
  • msg #31

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Seems to me sometimes less is more. Finding a way to combine knacks and edges for instance.
SteamRoller
GM, 40 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 1 Jun 2017
at 12:50
  • msg #32

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Yeah, that was always an option, but Knacks were meant as minor tweaks, akin to Pathfinder's "Traits". Edges, on the other hand, are supposed to be more like Feats.

Both were intended as things that you couldn't normally do with just skills.

I suppose there was always the option of expanding skills by Ranks, so that, say, Marskmanship Rank 2 gives you Far Shot, Rank 3 gives you Shot On the Run, etc. Or whatever. It would take the same amount of detail, just organized differently.

Of course, that almost gets back to the limitations of Levels by Class. You have to adventure so long to get that 12th level Really Cool Ability that it gets frustrating trying to attain that. The same would be true with skill Ranks. If the highest Rank in a skill that you can achieve is 12, what is the benefit you get then? And it would take soooooo long to reach that...

And, of course, once you attain it, what's the point of adventuring any more? There's nothing else to be gained.
SteamRoller
GM, 42 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 4 Jun 2017
at 16:56
  • msg #33

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

So, I'm still waiting for people to fill out their character sheets.

Reginald, Victoria... you still with us?


I still need to put up an equipment list, but have gotten busy the last few days and didn't have enough time to work on it.


I'm thinking the game (first adventure) will start in Gibraltar. So you might want to give some thought as to how and why your character is there. If you need any help with that, just ask.
Reginald Moran
player, 12 posts
Mon 5 Jun 2017
at 00:57
  • msg #34

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

I am still here, just really sick at the moment. SOrry for the depay.
Reginald Moran
player, 13 posts
Mon 5 Jun 2017
at 00:57
  • msg #35

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

I am still here, just really sick at the moment. Sorry for the delay.
Reginald Moran
player, 14 posts
Tue 6 Jun 2017
at 01:52
  • msg #36

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

I have the flu,or so the doc tells me. I will at least get up the character bio up. Sorry for the delay.
Victoria Windlass
player, 5 posts
Adventuress
Master Criminal
Wed 7 Jun 2017
at 23:42
  • msg #37

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Just a long weekend.

Not sure what to do next.
Catherine Harston
player, 3 posts
Thu 8 Jun 2017
at 00:53
  • msg #38

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

I'm trying to invite another player to join us, but he's being slow responding.
SteamRoller
GM, 43 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 8 Jun 2017
at 04:11
  • msg #39

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

I'm still waiting for the three of you to fill out your character sheets.


I've also run out of time to get the equipment lists up, so I haven't been pushing the character sheets.


If any of you need help with the character sheets, just let me know.


The other player may be slow to respond, Catherine, because nothing is happening here on the board yet.

Have you decided on your Careers yet?
SteamRoller
GM, 46 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 9 Jun 2017
at 17:12
  • msg #40

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Okay, 2 new careers have been added: Baron/Baroness and Dilettante Traveler.
Catherine Harston
player, 4 posts
Sat 10 Jun 2017
at 19:06
  • msg #41

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

*Curtsies* Welcome, new players!
Felicity Van Horn
player, 1 post
Sat 10 Jun 2017
at 20:05
  • msg #42

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Howdy hi! How's everyone! I'm a cowboy!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 1 post
Wed 14 Jun 2017
at 02:29
  • msg #43

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

Greetings fellow adventurers: the GM has kindly allowed me to import a character I have been playing in another Space 1889 game, Grimsby H. Baskerville, an Archaelogist in his former career who has become an agent of the British Colonial Office serving on the frontier of the British colony on Mars, though he is presently on Earth recovering from injuries suffered defending a Martian princeling from assassins.
I look forward to playing with you all.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 2 posts
Wed 14 Jun 2017
at 02:39
  • msg #44

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

See previous howdy. And also a new howdy.
Catherine Harston
player, 5 posts
Wed 14 Jun 2017
at 05:39
  • msg #45

Re: OOC Discussion Thread

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 43):

Welcome, mister!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 57 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 17 Jun 2017
at 22:09
  • msg #46

Update

Both the Edges and Flaws tables have been updated, and all Edges and Flaws definitions have now been posted.

If you spot any problems, discrepancies, or inconsistencies, please let me know!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 58 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 17 Jun 2017
at 23:18
  • msg #47

Update

The rules for Skills have been updated.

Space: 1889 originally used a Cascade system for determining initial Skill Ranks. When we switched over to using Careers to generate the initial Skill Ranks, we 'abandoned' the Cascade system. But I'd forgotten that. So when I began looking over Character Sheets, I wasn't seeing that. I think looked at the rules I'd posted on the board, and saw that it wasn't there!

So, I went back and re-examined the rules. Using both systems seemed a bit much for gaming ftf around a table, where you were likely to complete an adventure in one session, and probably gamed once a week. You'd therefore gain CP/XP fairly often, and your character would show progression almost every week. Here on RPoL, that's probably not going to happen, at least not that frequently.

Thus, it made sense to use both systems here, in an effort to give the Characters a 'head start'.


A few other changes have been made to the Skills list.

Somehow, Animal Handling (formerly Ride) had gotten left off. So did Writing (under Liberal Arts).

I've changed the Skill 'Crime' to 'Subterfuge', since we decided that those sub-skills weren't inherently criminal.

We've also added a Skill called 'Invention', as a way to simplify the invention process, even though none of the characters look like they are going to be Inventors.

I'll try to update everyone's character sheet tomorrow sometime.

As always, any questions, just ask.
Catherine Harston
player, 6 posts
Sat 17 Jun 2017
at 23:19
  • msg #48

Update

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 47):

I'll take a look right away!
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 1 post
Navy Captain (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 18 Jun 2017
at 00:38
  • msg #49

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 48):

AAAAHH! I got sushi on my laptop! I thought I was better with chopsticks than I really am! WAAAAAAAH!!

What? A fella can't eat? Hmm, evidence now suggests maybe not. You know how hard it's gonna be to get soy sauce outta my keyboard?  ^_^
Catherine Harston
player, 7 posts
Sun 18 Jun 2017
at 01:25
  • msg #50

Update

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 49):

Oh dear
Felicity Van Horn
player, 3 posts
Sun 18 Jun 2017
at 11:43
  • msg #51

Update

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 49):

Fire.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 4 posts
Sun 18 Jun 2017
at 23:46
  • msg #52

Update

As our starting funds are denominated in dollars and the books largely denominate costs in pounds sterling which very proudly makes no sense, I have created the following reference chart using Math(TM). Or, as the Core would no doubt call it, Maths(TM). I found it quite useful when buying a load of guns and horses and other such silliness.


Pennies   Shillings   Pounds   Dollars
    1         -          -       0.02
   12         1          -       0.25
  240        20          1       5

Brie O'Malley
player, 1 post
Mon 19 Jun 2017
at 01:08
  • msg #53

Update

Hi all, I am the latest of the crew.

So I figure if the GM gives us an amount and the costs, that's what I am using.
Catherine Harston
player, 8 posts
Mon 19 Jun 2017
at 01:22
  • msg #54

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 53):

Welcome, miss O'Malley!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 59 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 19 Jun 2017
at 04:07
  • msg #55

Update

Because I'm American, and all the people I was expecting to game with were likewise Americans, we were converting to a monetary system that we understand. Heck, it took them several hundred years, but the British finally converted to a decimal system.

So, the Funds are in dollars, and we have expanded and coherent equipment lists that I had expected to get added to the board. It's just taking way longer than I was expecting... to convert the tables to something useful in RPoL.

But, for the time being, if you have the books, just convert dollars to pounds/shillings and buy equipment from the book.

Otherwise, you can just select equipment you'd think is reasonable for your character.
Brie O'Malley
player, 2 posts
Mon 19 Jun 2017
at 22:31
  • msg #56

Update

So have we discussed where we are all starting? Are we in London or can we be any where in the world or what?
Catherine Harston
player, 9 posts
Mon 19 Jun 2017
at 22:31
  • msg #57

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 56):

We're starting in Gibraltar
Brie O'Malley
player, 3 posts
Tue 20 Jun 2017
at 00:01
  • msg #58

Update

OK, don't mind me, I am still trying to figure out a good pic.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 2 posts
Tue 20 Jun 2017
at 02:14
  • msg #59

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 58):

Welcome Miss O'Malley. I gather you are Irish. I hope you are not one of those Fenians...
GM SteamRoller
GM, 60 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 20 Jun 2017
at 02:18
  • msg #60

Update

If Brie is Irish, then she should be a redhead. Lots of portraits for them.
Brie O'Malley
player, 4 posts
Tue 20 Jun 2017
at 02:45
  • msg #61

Update

I was thinking Scottish but I think I am switching to Irish.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 3 posts
Tue 20 Jun 2017
at 02:54
  • msg #62

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 61):

In the Victorian period, there were a lot of Irish immigrants in the more industrial parts of Scotland such as Glasgow, so you could be both if you liked.
Brie O'Malley
player, 6 posts
Fri 23 Jun 2017
at 02:26
  • msg #63

Update

Hi all, I posted, lets get going, at least come to talk with me :)
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 2 posts
Navy Captain (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 24 Jun 2017
at 04:39
  • msg #64

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 63):

Move along, now...nothing to see here...just some old codger having a brain-fart...he realized his error and deleted it, so...move along now...

^_^
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Sat 24 June 2017.
Brie O'Malley
player, 9 posts
Sat 24 Jun 2017
at 17:26
  • msg #65

Update

Hmm, don't look too old.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 5 posts
Navy Captain (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 25 Jun 2017
at 01:16
  • msg #66

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 65):

That is the picture, my dear. I am a middle-aged old-fart of 54.
Brie O'Malley
player, 10 posts
Sun 25 Jun 2017
at 02:25
  • msg #67

Update

You are an old fart at 54.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 11 posts
The American
Thu 29 Jun 2017
at 21:15
  • msg #68

Update

This is two days in a row where Brie has posted between when I hit 'reply' and 'post'. Uncanny!
Brie O'Malley
player, 18 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Thu 29 Jun 2017
at 21:16
  • msg #69

Update

Yes it is. :)
Brie O'Malley
player, 20 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Mon 3 Jul 2017
at 02:40
  • msg #70

Update

I will be out of town July 3 to July 11, probably with no access if any.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 18 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 13 Jul 2017
at 22:44
  • msg #71

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 70):

Very sorry I have not posted for a few days. I had an unexpected appendectomy. According to the medical people, it went well, so I am home now after just 2 days in the hospital. I hope to be able to resume posting now.
Catherine Harston
player, 16 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 13 Jul 2017
at 22:47
  • msg #72

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 71):

Oh gosh! I'm glad it went well.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 19 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 13 Jul 2017
at 22:48
  • msg #73

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 72):

So am I.
Brie O'Malley
player, 22 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Thu 13 Jul 2017
at 22:54
  • msg #74

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 71):

Hope your feeling better. Good luck.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 21 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 13 Jul 2017
at 23:14
  • msg #75

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 74):

Overall, I am better. I was probably very lucky that the appendix was removed before it burst.
Brie O'Malley
player, 23 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 14 Jul 2017
at 00:16
  • msg #76

Update

Yes, I had a friend from high school that almost had that happen.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 22 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 15 Jul 2017
at 03:41
  • msg #77

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 76):

The chief librarian at my university did have a burst appendix. Being an extremely tough woman, she drove herself to the ER and they saved her. Being aware of that story, I told the doctors to go ahead and take mine out without waiting.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 15 posts
The American
Sat 15 Jul 2017
at 10:37
  • msg #78

Update

Librarians are, as a breed, gigantic badasses.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 64 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 15 Jul 2017
at 20:03
  • msg #79

Update

Sympathies, Grimsby! I can certainly relate, though appendix and tonsils are still intact on this old carcass. Just lost my gallbladder back in February.

Don't know if it'll work for you, but whenever the abdomen gets a little pain, try holding a pillow over it. No real pressure, but it keeps the muscles from having to support anything for a bit.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 24 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 15 Jul 2017
at 20:44
  • msg #80

Update

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 79):

My sympathy on the gallbladder. I still have mine, but a friend lost his and it wasn't fun. Thanks for the advice on the pillow.
Brie O'Malley
player, 26 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 15 Jul 2017
at 21:18
  • msg #81

Update

Pillows can help with a lot of things.
Catherine Harston
player, 20 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 20 Jul 2017
at 02:00
  • msg #82

Update

I am working on a post, just a little delayed
Catherine Harston
player, 24 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 28 Jul 2017
at 00:54
  • msg #83

Update

Frozen in a block of ice? Ooh, we're about to meet Captain America!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 38 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 4 Aug 2017
at 12:18
  • msg #84

Update

I plan to be at SCA Pennsic War Friday Aug.4 to the following Thursday. I might be able to post, but it is not likely.
Catherine Harston
player, 27 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 4 Aug 2017
at 14:51
  • msg #85

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 84):

Enjoy!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 39 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 5 Aug 2017
at 01:08
  • msg #86

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 85):

My departure has been delayed by rain, so I am home one more evening, anyway.
Brie O'Malley
player, 40 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 5 Aug 2017
at 02:19
  • msg #87

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 84):

Have fun!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 40 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 13 Aug 2017
at 00:24
  • msg #88

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 87):

Since the Pennsic War is over. I am back and ready to resume play. I look forward to catching up with the game.
Catherine Harston
player, 31 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 13 Aug 2017
at 00:25
  • msg #89

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 88):

Welcome back!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 42 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 13 Aug 2017
at 00:45
  • msg #90

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 89):

Thank you. I am glad Grimsby's ward welcomes his return.
Catherine Harston
player, 32 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 13 Aug 2017
at 00:59
  • msg #91

Update

Of course I do!
Brie O'Malley
player, 43 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 13 Aug 2017
at 01:24
  • msg #92

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 88):

Hello, glad to see you!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 43 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 13 Aug 2017
at 02:07
  • msg #93

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 92):

Thanks. I am sure Grimsby is glad to see Brie, or will be once the men stop smoking.
Brie O'Malley
player, 44 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 13 Aug 2017
at 22:16
  • msg #94

Update

Hey, girls, what are we doing?
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 45 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 14 Aug 2017
at 00:58
  • msg #95

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 94):

I thought you were going for shooting practice with Ms.Van Horn. Or are you just talking about doing it later?
Brie O'Malley
player, 45 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Mon 14 Aug 2017
at 01:16
  • msg #96

Update

Now is fine.
Catherine Harston
player, 34 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 19 Aug 2017
at 22:40
  • msg #97

Update

Off we go
Brie O'Malley
player, 47 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 19 Aug 2017
at 22:57
  • msg #98

Update

I think we are waiting for Felicity?
Felicity Van Horn
player, 26 posts
The American
Sun 20 Aug 2017
at 00:13
  • msg #99

Update

Sorry about that! A fast posting game kind of buried this in my RSS feed.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 54 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 29 Aug 2017
at 01:39
  • msg #100

Update

I am taking it that Aubrey's last post was intended to reply to Grimsby's greeting, or at least that Grimsby heard Aubrey's response if it was actually intended for Mr. Hunnisett.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 30 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 29 Aug 2017
at 02:54
  • msg #101

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 100):

Yeah, Grimsby, the first half of that post was a direct response to questions asked by Joseph - everything except the part about buying ammo here in Gibraltar. It's completely likely that Grimsby and Catherine could have walked up while Aubrey was talking and heard the entire thing.


Okay, about the shopping trip to come ...

We're in southern Spain. It's rural, but there are a few metropolitan areas within a few days travel - especially Gibraltar. Most of the town will have a small Garda presence (that would be Policia, today), but the roads can be a little dangerous, with small bands of banditos.

As long as we're dressed like affluent Ingles, we'll be treated as Persons of Station - that means we won't get hassled too much if we have to shoot a bandit on the road. However, no matter where you are, it is never a good idea to shoot anyone for any reason within the confines of a community - even if the other fella is trying to shoot you! It's just not civilized, don't cha'know. ^_^

So, most likely we'll be on the road for a day or three. The odds are pretty good that we'll be able to arrange are travels so that we end each day at a village where we might find an inn or some other place to stay the night. BUT! just in case we do have to camp by the side of the road, you might want to consider some light camping gear - some blankets, a piece of tarpaulin for ground cover or making a lean-to, a box of tissues...perhaps a packet or two of Gayetty's tissues for the W-C. Andalusia - southern Spain - at this time of year is much like New Mexico; it can be hot and dry during the day, and cool at night. Bring clothing you can layer. Good shoes/boots for walking (if the carriage breaks down) and culottes for ease of travelling. Or, as I'm sure Miss Felicity will suggest, just wear trousers ^_^

Light cotton or lines shirts, with a light jacket for cool evenings, and maybe a light cloak to go over that, if the evening gets chilly. Hats I will leave to you - Joseph is gentleman enough not to laugh at anything ridiculous, but I cannot vouchsafe that Felicity won't laugh outrageously at some of the more "socially acceptable" styles out there...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Tue 29 Aug 2017.
Brie O'Malley
player, 55 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 1 Sep 2017
at 22:50
  • msg #102

Update

If its all right with the GM, maybe we can just say the 2 woman run off and quickly grab some traveling cloths for Catherine so we can move the game along. All Brie needs is another box of ammo.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 58 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 2 Sep 2017
at 03:22
  • msg #103

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 102):

That would be fine with me if it is agreeable to Catherine, since Grimsby himself has little to buy and would just be along on most of the shopping as his ward's escort.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 33 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 2 Sep 2017
at 07:12
  • msg #104

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 103):

Yeah, actually, ditto for Joseph. He's just coming off an expedition, and he just needs to re supply some ammo, and get a new box of Cubans, and he's good to go...
Catherine Harston
player, 41 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 2 Sep 2017
at 07:45
  • msg #105

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 102):

I suppose that's all right.
Brie O'Malley
player, 56 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 2 Sep 2017
at 19:39
  • msg #106

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 105):

If there is something you want to RP out, we can do it in PM if you want, I am fine either way.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 61 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 4 Sep 2017
at 00:41
  • msg #107

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 106):

Grimsby's last post jumped ahead past the shopping, which I had understood we were going to pass over. Your new post suggests that you are playing out the shopping. Do you want me to revise Grimsby's last post to allow more time for shopping?
Brie O'Malley
player, 59 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Mon 4 Sep 2017
at 02:15
  • msg #108

Update

I meant it as a summery but I hope I made it more clear.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 70 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 18:47
  • msg #109

Update

Still alive!

As bad as Hurricane Irma was, it wasn't all that bad. Almost no building damage has been reported, not even broken windows, but signs and lots and lots of trees have been uprooted.

15 million people without power. It's starting to come back online now, but probably won't have it at the house for another 2-3 days. Posting from a friend's workplace, which never actually lost power because it was part of the evacuation route.

All we had were a few roof leaks, and the backyard fence got blown down.
Catherine Harston
player, 46 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 13 Sep 2017
at 18:49
  • msg #110

Update

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 109):

I'm glad you're okay!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 67 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 14 Sep 2017
at 01:25
  • msg #111

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 110):

Very glad you are safe, and the overall damage was not as bad as it could have been.
Brie O'Malley
player, 64 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Thu 14 Sep 2017
at 01:35
  • msg #112

Update

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 109):

Glad you made it. Good luck on cleaning up and getting on with life.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 35 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 17 Sep 2017
at 21:39
  • msg #113

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 112):

Stuck down here in SW Florida. Made it through Hurricane Irma relatively ok, but still no power or internet. Power company says it'll be the 22nd before they get to me...heh.
Brie O'Malley
player, 66 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 17 Sep 2017
at 22:02
  • msg #114

Update

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 113):

Hope you got a generator.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 71 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 22 Sep 2017
at 00:28
  • msg #115

Update

10.5 days without power!

 Lost power on the 9th just around noon as the hurricane passed by.

 No power, no AC, no lights, no stove/microwave/toaster oven, no hot water, no TV, no computer, no modem, no internet.

 Florida. Summer. Hot. Humid. Sat around in the dark and sweated. Didn't sleep well, didn't eat much.

 Couldn't go anywhere since most places were also without power.

 For a few days, gas was scarce, because most gas stations didn't have power, and so couldn't pump gas. The few that either had power or emergency generators had long lines and then ran out of gas. Tried getting by on ice, but so was everyone else, and ice quickly sold out.

 Finally got power back about 8:30 last night.

 So now we're cleaning up the mess.

 It'll probably be another day or two before I get caught up on all my games.
Brie O'Malley
player, 68 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 22 Sep 2017
at 00:30
  • msg #116

Update

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 115):

Good luck GM, the longest we lost power for was 5 days due to a hurricane but we did have the damage to the area like you.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 71 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 22 Sep 2017
at 03:18
  • msg #117

Update

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 115):

I do hope your cleanup continues successfully and your living conditions keep improving.
I will be happy to game once you are ready, but I will not be impatient if you need more time to recover first.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Fri 13 Oct 2017.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 33 posts
The American
Sun 8 Oct 2017
at 01:04
  • msg #118

Update

Holy cats, I just realized how long it had been since I checked in on this game. My sincere apologies about that, everyone. Wow, jeez, catching up on stuff now and slightly feeling like the worst.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 82 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 13 Oct 2017
at 02:11
  • msg #119

Update

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 118):

Glad to have Felicity back and lively as ever.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 83 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 13 Oct 2017
at 02:13
  • msg #120

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 117):

I have been worried about how long it has taken Hernando to responnd to GRimsby and Catherine, but I just realized that may simplu be because the GM  is still doing cleanup. If so, we can keep knocking for a while longer.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 87 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 18 Oct 2017
at 02:58
  • msg #121

Update

On the currency conversion, 12,000 pestas to Britsh pounds, I ran it through an online historical currency converter and came up with just under 500 pounds, but that seems high.  What does the GM intend the rate to be?
GM SteamRoller
GM, 78 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 18 Oct 2017
at 03:23
  • msg #122

Update

A site on Victoriana that I found listed a pair of horse as being 65 pounds. Had no idea there was an historical converter out there somewhere.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 89 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 19 Oct 2017
at 01:43
  • msg #123

Update

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 122):

I am not at all sure the currency converter I found is accurate, at least for our purposes. I would say the GM could use whatever seems suitable.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 37 posts
The American
Thu 19 Oct 2017
at 01:53
  • msg #124

Update

Yeah, I'm not going to check your math here.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 79 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 20 Oct 2017
at 17:56
  • msg #125

Update

For future reference, I'll use And a Ten Foot Pole for reference. It gives prices for various time periods, and gives conversions from pounds sterling to dollars. I don't think they dealt with Spanish pesetas, though. The conversion isn't really important any way. Reminds me of an old Simon & Simon TV episode, where they get thrown into a Mexican jail. When told that the bail is 25,000 pesos, AJ starts wailing that they'll never get out--they don't have that kind of money. Then Rick informs him that 25,000 pesos is about $30. It's like if we valued everything in pennies. A $10 meal at Burger King would be 1000 pennies. And a new car would be 2.5 million pennies. Of course, for the meal, you'd still hand them a 1,000-penny bill.

In any case, Spain's economy is floundering at this time. Nearly all their colonies have been lost, and the treasure ships from the New World have stopped. There are too many 'corrupt' local lords that all want a piece of the pie, which keeps getting smaller and smaller. The king and administrators are struggling to shift the economy to something else.
Catherine Harston
player, 55 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 23 Oct 2017
at 19:53
  • msg #126

Update

I'll be posting later today, I've been on a trip which has slowed me down a bit
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 94 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 24 Oct 2017
at 01:33
  • msg #127

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 126):

Very glad you are back.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 44 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 26 Oct 2017
at 20:49
  • msg #128

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 127):

Hey, y'all,

I'd like to appologize for my lack of posting these past couple of weeks.

Truth be told, I've been out of my head for a while. I think the Doctor's drug cocktail is finally correct, so I'll be taking up occupancy in my own skull again.

Now I just gotta work on getting my focus back - so my typing doesn't look like "klsdhbouweygifbhehf" all the time ^_^

So I got some reading and catching up to do - my comprehension skills may be a little lower than usual, so be critical. Really. I'm probably gonna miss stuff, so point it out when I do.

Thanks in advance.

V
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 97 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 27 Oct 2017
at 02:13
  • msg #129

Update

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 128):

I am glad the you feel the doctor has been able to help you. I look forward to your posting when you have had time to catch up.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 105 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 18 Nov 2017
at 03:12
  • msg #130

Update

I have been notified to report for surgery 5 a.m. Monday Nov.20, so I may be out for a few days, depending on whether I can access RPOL from my tablet in the hospital.
Catherine Harston
player, 62 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 18 Nov 2017
at 05:56
  • msg #131

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 130):

Oh! I hope it goes well!
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 48 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 18 Nov 2017
at 06:26
  • msg #132

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 131):

Well wishes, old chum
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 106 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 18 Nov 2017
at 21:53
  • msg #133

Update

Thanks for the good wishes.
Brie O'Malley
player, 80 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 19 Nov 2017
at 04:21
  • msg #134

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 133):

Good luck with it. We will pray for you!
Felicity Van Horn
player, 41 posts
The American
Sun 19 Nov 2017
at 13:59
  • msg #135

Update

Scheduled surgeries are rough, but at least better than emergency surgery!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 107 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 24 Nov 2017
at 04:26
  • msg #136

Update

I am back from my surgery,which went well but did keep me in the hospital a little longer than expected. I expect to be able to carry on gaming.

I agree that scheduled surgery is better than emergency. I had emergency surgery in July (appendectomy). This has been my year for surgery, it seems.
Brie O'Malley
player, 81 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 26 Nov 2017
at 00:26
  • msg #137

Update

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 135):

Yes, only in that you can prepare for them.

Glad your surgery went well Grimsby!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 109 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 26 Nov 2017
at 04:00
  • msg #138

Update

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 137):

Thank you.
Catherine Harston
player, 67 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 03:43
  • msg #139

Update

*Pokes GM*
Brie O'Malley
player, 88 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 15 Dec 2017
at 23:58
  • msg #140

Update

GM POKE!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 90 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 17 Dec 2017
at 18:33
  • msg #141

Update

Oops. Forgot to post my excuses here...

To start with, my friend's mom died the day before Thanksgiving, so things are a bit out of sorts at the moment.


To make things even more mixed up, we were heading to the store last Thursday, and when we were stopped at the light getting ready to turn, we spotted an animal in the middle of the lane next to us. At first, we thought it was a squirrel about to get run over, but then realized it didn't move like a squirrel. A van making the turn just missed it, but the lady behind slammed on her brakes, got out and picked it up. She looked at my friend, and said she didn't know what to do with it, so my friend said he'd take it to the vet, which we were going to pass anyway when we made the turn. She handed it to him (he was driving) and he handed it to me.

It turned out to be 7-week old orange tabby kitten! We took it to the vet, and the vet said it was fine, hadn't been hurt, but was clearly scared. It had oil on its head, so we thought maybe it had crawled up into the engine compartment of a vehicle and finally fell out when the vehicle made the turn.

Since the last of the three cats that we had died back on July 4th, and we'd been trying to decide if we wanted to get another cat, we've kept him. After a rough first day, he's settled in nicely and has quickly become a holy terror. He's still not big enough to challenge the dog yet, but isn't afraid to charge him. He likes to help me type my posts on the computer by walking all over the keyboard.

After a lot of deliberation, we finally decided to name him Dodger, cause he'd been dodging traffic in the middle of a busy intersection when we found him.


Also, a heads-up to everyone... it's holiday season. Generally posting for PbP games drops off a bit during this time. Even when you don't think you have the holiday commitments that others have, somehow, they sneak up on you and screw up anything you may have had planned... or even screw up your unplanning.

That's been my case. No commitments, yet those pesky holiday things have crept into my time and energy. Nothing on the horizon, but they may show up anyway.

Just letting you know things may be iffy until the New Year.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 44 posts
The American
Sun 17 Dec 2017
at 21:39
  • msg #142

Update

All is forgiven for saving kittens. Especially saving kittens and giving them good names.
Brie O'Malley
player, 89 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Mon 18 Dec 2017
at 01:36
  • msg #143

Update

Sorry to hear about your friend. That's so hard.

And good luck with the kitten. We currently have 4 cats.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 92 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 18 Dec 2017
at 02:16
  • msg #144

Update

4 cats! Can't imagine how you manage! Do you let them out? Ours were all house cats.

Maybe you can answer a few questions, though. We're currently feeding him wet food, which he eats up. Is that okay for a kitten? We have some dry food, but he's not that interested in it.

For his weight and health, the vet thought that he'd been weaned, but when we got him home, he wasn't eating food from a dish yet. We had to feed him with an eyedropper for a day or so.

He's not drinking water; it's as if he doesn't know how. We give a bit of milk (as dessert), but he doesn't lap it up--he sticks his nose in it and tries to suck it up. Is that normal? Will he figure it out on his own?

Also, we were wondering if he was too young for catnip?
Brie O'Malley
player, 91 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Mon 18 Dec 2017
at 03:28
  • msg #145

Update

Yes, they are inside and outside kitties. One kitty is 16.5 lbs. We are on a farm so we also have dogs and chickens.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 117 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 18 Dec 2017
at 04:17
  • msg #146

Update

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 126):

Inderstood. I am glad you are back. Grimsby needs his ward.
Catherine Harston
player, 68 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 19 Dec 2017
at 06:29
  • msg #147

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 146):

Aww, thank you
GM SteamRoller
GM, 93 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 23 Dec 2017
at 15:43
  • msg #148

Update

Pfui. Don't know whether it's the holiday blehs, blahs, blues or busyness, but I find myself unusually lacking in time with unexpected lack of mental energy to boot. I get a few posts in (if I'm lucky), and then my brain turns to mush. Getting around to posting as I can.

Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!
Brie O'Malley
player, 94 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 23 Dec 2017
at 23:24
  • msg #149

Update

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy Years all!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 120 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 24 Dec 2017
at 03:08
  • msg #150

Update

Indeed, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!
Catherine Harston
player, 69 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 24 Dec 2017
at 05:19
  • msg #151

Update

Merry Christmas!
Felicity Van Horn
player, 47 posts
The American
Wed 10 Jan 2018
at 13:06
  • msg #152

Update

Just letting everyone know that I'm undergoing an immensely stressful week, and I expect it to continue all week.
Catherine Harston
player, 74 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 10 Jan 2018
at 17:27
  • msg #153

Update

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 152):

I hope it gets better!
Brie O'Malley
player, 107 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Thu 11 Jan 2018
at 01:19
  • msg #154

Update

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 152):

Hope things get better for you!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 134 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 11 Jan 2018
at 05:00
  • msg #155

Update

I also hope it gets better. Reality can be tiresome.
Brie O'Malley
player, 119 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Wed 14 Feb 2018
at 23:47
  • msg #156

Update

What happened to everyone?
Catherine Harston
player, 79 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 00:03
  • msg #157

Update

working on a post! I was just very busy lately
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 145 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 04:33
  • msg #158

Update

Grimsby is always glad to hear from you.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 61 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 06:03
  • msg #159

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 158):

I'm alone in the middle of the freakin' Everglades! I'm happy to hear from anyone! ^_^

Just glad to hear you can still make the time to squeeze us in! RL can be such a pain, that way ^_^
Brie O'Malley
player, 120 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 16 Feb 2018
at 01:33
  • msg #160

Update

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 159):

Have fun with all the freaking snakes. One thing I like about cold places, few bugs and snakes. all that is good.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 146 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 16 Feb 2018
at 02:44
  • msg #161

Update

To say nothing of the alligators. I trust the reality is not too adventurous.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 62 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Fri 16 Feb 2018
at 05:30
  • msg #162

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 161):

The Facility I work at is a designated National Wildlife Reserve (Done for Tax purposes, I believe). I routinely see the young male Black Bear who lives on site; me and Bubba are good friends, he often saunters past my guard shack with an attitude - "Yeah, it's me. Deal."

There's also a pair of Florida Panthers (not sure if they are mated, or even related), but they run whenever they see a car (like my Patrol Jeep). I occasionally see anywhere from 1 to 5 of the small Whitetail Deer we have down here in Florida. In spring, summer and fall we have a couple of rafters of wild Turkeys running around (don't know where they go in the winter). And there are always Grey Foxes running all over the place.

And since the facility is a NWR, I can't even chase off the Buzzards! They are a breed of Turkey Buzzard that are on an "Ecological Concern" list, so I can't "risk traumatizing them" by chasing them away from the garbage bins! And, of course, the County Mosquito Control airplanes divert around us, so we don't get sprayed for Mosquitos, like everyone else in the County!  There are nights when it feels like I'm being eaten alive!
Brie O'Malley
player, 121 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 16 Feb 2018
at 23:08
  • msg #163

Update

We have buzzard here too. When a deer is hit on the road, it is like a convention. I have seen like 10 to 12 at one time.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 150 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 24 Feb 2018
at 01:39
  • msg #164

Update

Tomorrow I leave for Britain. I will be doing research there until March 21. From past experience at my B&B, I expect to be able to access RPOL, but probably not until late Sunday.
Brie O'Malley
player, 126 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 24 Feb 2018
at 01:43
  • msg #165

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 164):

Have fun, I would love to go back there.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 151 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 24 Feb 2018
at 01:47
  • msg #166

Update

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 162):

The only varieties of your creatures we have in this area that I have personally seen are the wild turkeys and deer, of which we have many, appearing quite boldly in town. A black bear was
reported in the street up the hill from ours, but I have not seen it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Sun 11 Mar 2018.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 67 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 11 Mar 2018
at 07:14
  • msg #167

Update

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 166):

"cat soup"

Congratulations, Sir, you have stumped Google.

The only result I get from Google on a search for "cat soup" is a discourse on an experimental, quite psychotropic Japanese Anime.  Knowing your feelings about Anime, I do not believe that this is what you meant.

WHAT THE FRACK IS "CAT SOUP"???!!!

Was the Killer Kitten from Hell chewing on your hand while you were typing?  Bad Kitten! Where's my gun...?
GM SteamRoller
GM, 99 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 11 Mar 2018
at 17:17
  • msg #168

Cat Soup

How odd. Yes, even going ten pages deep in the Google search didn't turn up a link.

As opposed to soup made from cats (as in China and the Orient) or soup made for cats (chicken and green beans), this is a Spanish dish I got from a Spanish cuisine entry in Wikipedia, and it does show up under the Spanish name sopa de gato as a link to a Wikipedia entry.

Classic cuisine of southern Spain, made with water, olive oil, stale bread, garlic, salt and pepper. Created in 16th century Cadiz during the pirate siege to stave off hunger. Modern versions can have cheese or beaten eggs added.
Brie O'Malley
player, 129 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 11 Mar 2018
at 20:15
  • msg #169

Cat Soup

So we getting soup of cat or for cat?  Good thing I didn't tell the cats future.
Brie O'Malley
player, 134 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 01:05
  • msg #170

Cat Soup

Are we going to move to the next morning?
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 162 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 02:52
  • msg #171

Cat Soup

As far as Grimsby is concerned, it is time to move on, unless someone else has something to do first.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 173 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 28 Apr 2018
at 00:21
  • msg #172

Cat Soup

I notice the conversation between the bandit and Joseph does not appear in the version of the posts I can see. Is the assumption that none of the other players understands Spanish, so anything in that language is simply hidden?
GM SteamRoller
GM, 104 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 04:38
  • msg #173

Language Groups

Joseph was using the Language Group, so it should have showed up as gibberish to anyone who didn't speak Espanol, but is still should have been visible. I can't figure out why it wouldn't have shown up for Grimsby albeit as gibberish.

My problem as the GM is that I see EVERYTHING, so I can't always tell what's showing up and what isn't.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 105 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 05:06
  • msg #174

Language Groups

Okay. Figured it out. I've been using the Private to Group for languages. I've never actually seen the Language option before. I'm wondering if that's a new modification to the site?
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 74 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 09:03
  • msg #175

Language Groups

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 174):

I've been seeing it for years, Old Man!  I just never had occasions, before, to ever make use of it.

Note that Joseph also speaks French with an outrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrageous accent, and if you do not add Language Group French I may have to taunt you a second time!
Brie O'Malley
player, 140 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 01:33
  • msg #176

Language Groups

Actually I speak Spanish.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 175 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 02:50
  • msg #177

Language Groups

I was reading a History of Murder (from the middle ages at the present) and ran across the information that (in the 19th century) "banditry continued to be rampant in southern Italy, Greece, and many parts of Spain."
Catherine Harston
player, 91 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 04:06
  • msg #178

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 177):

In southern Italy it's something of a political issue, because the brigandage of the time became tangled with military resistance against the new government of unified Italy.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 75 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 08:39
  • msg #179

Language Groups

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 178):

Hey! I have an ancestor who fought alongside Garibaldi in Sicily & Naples. The people loved him!  The brigandage was against the oppressive landlords.
Brie O'Malley
player, 141 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 23:49
  • msg #180

Language Groups

The people loved Vlad the impaler but not by a lot of other people.  :)
Catherine Harston
player, 92 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 3 May 2018
at 10:58
  • msg #181

Language Groups

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 179):

Indeed they did; when Garibaldi marches to Naples much of the opposing Neapolitan army switches sides or falls apart because he was so popular. But he moves on after the war to campaign against Rome, and resistance begins to appear against the new government, mixed with pure banditry. Carmine Crocco, for example, a very successful bandit chief who also fought for the former King of the Two Sicilies.

On a side note, I was always curious what would have happened if Garibaldi had accepted the offer of a Major General's commission in the US Army during the Civil War. Really big armies weren't his style, but the Union Army really could have used someone with his experience and sense of daring
Brie O'Malley
player, 142 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 4 May 2018
at 01:00
  • msg #182

Language Groups

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 181):

That's true. You never know about history. Fidel Castro almost was a professional baseball player.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 176 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 4 May 2018
at 04:36
  • msg #183

Language Groups

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 182):

Somebody wrote an alternate history story in which Castro did become a ballplayer. I forget who. Apparently he was a really good pitcher.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 177 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 9 May 2018
at 15:10
  • msg #184

Language Groups

I will be at the Medieval Congress in Kalamazoo from this afternoon (Wed.) to Sunday afternoon (May 13). It is supposed to have computer access and wifi, but in my experience reliability varies.
Catherine Harston
player, 93 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 10 May 2018
at 01:45
  • msg #185

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 184):

I hope you have fun!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 178 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 10 May 2018
at 16:22
  • msg #186

Language Groups

Thank you. The first session was interesting. My wifi does not seem to work, but there is some computer access if I am in the right building at the right time.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Mon 14 May 2018.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 179 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 14 May 2018
at 03:34
  • msg #187

Language Groups

I am back home now, and should be normal until next weekend when I go to AEthelmearc War Practice (SCA).
Catherine Harston
player, 94 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 21 May 2018
at 19:14
  • msg #188

Language Groups

Are the bad guys out of derringer range?
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 181 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 22 May 2018
at 02:05
  • msg #189

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 187):

I should have noted last night that I am back from AE War Practice.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 107 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 24 May 2018
at 20:19
  • msg #190

Language Groups

I've been sick for the past two weeks, so my brain has been functioning all that well, particularly for posting.

Starting to feel better. Hope to get back into the swing of things in another day or two.
Brie O'Malley
player, 144 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Thu 24 May 2018
at 23:10
  • msg #191

Language Groups

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 190):

Get well soon. We are here for you.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 182 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 25 May 2018
at 03:13
  • msg #192

Language Groups

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 190):

Very sorry you have been so sick. I take it you mean "my brain has not been functioning all that well." it is a great pity, but we will hope you recover soon.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 108 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 14:48
  • msg #193

Language Groups

Apologizes for not posting for awhile, but I fell off the page due to having the flu for the past three weeks (almost 4) and I just did not have the energy or brain power to think straight or be creative.

Hope everyone is still around as I get back on track.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 183 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 00:02
  • msg #194

Language Groups

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 193):

I am very glad you are better. I am still here and I hope the others are.
Catherine Harston
player, 96 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 09:13
  • msg #195

Language Groups

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 193):

I'm here!
Brie O'Malley
player, 145 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 9 Jun 2018
at 01:25
  • msg #196

Language Groups

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 193):

Still here. Glad your feeling better.
Catherine Harston
player, 98 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 15 Jun 2018
at 02:40
  • msg #197

Language Groups

Working on a post, but I'm rather slow because my brother's getting married.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 112 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 15 Jun 2018
at 17:51
  • msg #198

Language Groups

Shouldn't that make him slow?
Brie O'Malley
player, 151 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 17 Jun 2018
at 01:04
  • msg #199

Language Groups

No, men don't do much, we woman have far more to do.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 82 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 17 Jun 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #200

Language Groups

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 199):

Because if a Man even tried to do something he wasn't told to do for a wedding he'd have his head handed to him!

In a pretty basket!

Wrapped in lavender cellophane!
Brie O'Malley
player, 153 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sun 17 Jun 2018
at 03:41
  • msg #201

Language Groups

But you all rent your tuxes and the grooms is normally free. Where as we woman have so many issue with picking a dress, getting it fitted, getting accessories and then having to pay for it. Then all the other stuff we have to decide on.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 84 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 17 Jun 2018
at 04:22
  • msg #202

Language Groups

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 201):

An off the rack tux?!!  What am I, a Barbarian?  Tailored.  Always tailored.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 191 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 18 Jun 2018
at 03:28
  • msg #203

Language Groups

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 202):

I have only once been in a wedding party where I was expected to wear a tux. For my own wedding, I wore a plain suit. But then , my wife and I were older when we married, and did not feel obliged to put on an elaborate wedding.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Tue 19 June 2018.
Brie O'Malley
player, 154 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Tue 19 Jun 2018
at 00:41
  • msg #204

Language Groups

We were younger when we got married, so we went all out. I swear I would rather pay my daughters to just elope. Cheaper for their dad. :)
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 208 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 3 Aug 2018
at 03:30
  • msg #205

Language Groups

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 204):

I shall be away from late tomorrow Aug.3 to some time Aug.9 at the SCA Pennsic War. Internet is supposedly available,but I may not have much time for it.
Brie O'Malley
player, 164 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 00:30
  • msg #206

Language Groups

In Response to what Joseph said, he is right, people from Spain are not considered Hispanic. They don't have a lot of the other blood of the south American natives or Africans mixed it. As a government worker, people from Spain are just considered white. Actually the odd thing is, so are Brazilians, who a descendants of Portugal, thus not Hispanic.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 209 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 11 Aug 2018
at 03:42
  • msg #207

Language Groups

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 206):

I am back from Pennsic and resuming gaming.

Actually, many Brazilians tend  to be African, as it had a huge slave population. I understand that historically, if not presently, many other Latin Americans despised Brazilians for that reason.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Sat 11 Aug 2018.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 91 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 11 Aug 2018
at 03:44
  • msg #208

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 207):

YOU had a large slave population!!  You Dawg!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 228 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 28 Sep 2018
at 02:44
  • msg #209

Language Groups

I will be away from early Friday morning (9/28) to late Sunday afternoon (9/30). I probably will not post again till Sunday evening, though there is a chance the places I am staying will have Internet access.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 108 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 25 Dec 2018
at 05:56
  • msg #210

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 209):

Happy Christmas Y'all!  Esplosioni Gioiose to You and Yours!

Wait...no...I didn't say that right...my Italian's not so good...ah-ha!  Got it!

Merry Christmas!  That's it, yeah.  ^_^

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Esplosioni Gioiose (Italian) = "Joyous Explosions"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 245 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 26 Dec 2018
at 03:48
  • msg #211

Language Groups

Merry Christmas to all.
Catherine Harston
player, 121 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 29 Dec 2018
at 18:10
  • msg #212

Language Groups

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 246 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 30 Dec 2018
at 03:18
  • msg #213

Language Groups

My holidays have been very pleasant, thank you. I wish everyone a happy new year.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 129 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 1 Jan 2019
at 21:29
  • msg #214

Language Groups

Yeah, what HE said! Happy Happy Joy Joy New Year!
Catherine Harston
player, 124 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 13 Feb 2019
at 08:51
  • msg #215

Language Groups

I shall post today, I apologize for the delay
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 254 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 16 Feb 2019
at 02:36
  • msg #216

Language Groups

If all goes well, I will be in London for the next two weeks doing research. The B&B where I stay does have computer access, so I hope to be in touch, but it may not be as frequently as usual. I will be travelling tomorrow (Saturday Feb.16) so the next time I check in will probably be Sunday evening London time.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 112 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 16 Feb 2019
at 06:59
  • msg #217

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 216):

Y'know, it's a funny coincidence, but there's this guy over on another board I game on who just said the same thing!  Maybe you know him?  ^_^
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 255 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 17 Feb 2019
at 21:24
  • msg #218

Language Groups

I am safe in London, and my RPOL password still works on my B&B's computer, so we are in business.

I have noticed that there are players in several games I am in who seem to report the same experiences OOC. I suppose it may mean there is a natural overlap among players who like certain kinds of games.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 114 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 18 Feb 2019
at 01:57
  • msg #219

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 218):

Grimsby, my man, you'd be surprised to find out some of the places I'm lurking in!  I'm like a caca-roach ... ^_^
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 261 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 2 Mar 2019
at 20:43
  • msg #220

Language Groups

Tomorrow (Sunday March 3) I am scheduled to be travelling back to the US, so I probably will not be posting again until I reach home. Since the prediction is wind and rain in London when I am supposed to leave and 4 -6 inches of snow in Pittsburgh when I am supposed to arrive, I am by no means confident my flights will be on schedule, or even existent. I hope to post by Monday, but I may be optimistic.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 262 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 5 Mar 2019
at 03:11
  • msg #221

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 220):

I got as far as Pittsburgh Sunday and waited there because  a big snow storm was supposed to becoming through --in fact, it was not as bad as predicted, so I came home today and should be posting normally hereafter.
Catherine Harston
player, 127 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 5 Mar 2019
at 22:35
  • msg #222

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 221):

Glad to hear it went better than expected.
Arthur
player, 1 post
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Fri 8 Mar 2019
at 21:37
  • msg #223

Language Groups


Hello, I thought I should introduce myself before joining your merry band. I will be playing Arthur Russel a newly retired military surgeon and member of the aristocracy. Very much looking forward to joining you in the game.

Cymon.
Catherine Harston
player, 129 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 8 Mar 2019
at 22:51
  • msg #224

Language Groups

In reply to Arthur (msg # 223):

*Curtsies* Welcome, Arthur! Glad to have you with us
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 264 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 9 Mar 2019
at 02:03
  • msg #225

Language Groups

In reply to Arthur (msg # 223):

Welcome, Arthur. I look forward to playing with you. Since your character is described as an aristocrat,I wondered if he was kin to the great Whig family that produced the Victorian prime minister Lord John Russell, but I notice you spell the name with only one "l," so I suppose Arthur belongs to a different noble house.
Arthur Russel
player, 2 posts
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Sat 9 Mar 2019
at 03:21
  • msg #226

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 225):

No sorry that was my fault and yes it is the same family. Thanks for the welcome.

GM could I get another "l" added to Arthur's last name. Thank you.


-
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 266 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 10 Mar 2019
at 02:25
  • msg #227

Language Groups

In reply to Arthur Russel (msg # 226):

Thanks for the clarification. The Russells were a very interesting lot, as they later included the philosopher Bertrand Russell, a grandson of Lord John. Assuming we really are around 1889, Bertrand would be a teenager at this point.
Catherine Harston
player, 132 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 5 Apr 2019
at 07:49
  • msg #228

Language Groups

Maybe I missed something, but I don't think the thugs actually surrendered yet?
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 122 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Fri 5 Apr 2019
at 08:22
  • msg #229

Language Groups

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 228):

Not as such, no.  We've simply taken them captive without identifying ourselves or declaring our intent to them.

It's entirely possible we're mistaken, that they are Pinkertons, Dr. Solar is a deranged maniac who killed dozens back in New York, and we've just become his accomplices by freeing him ^_^
GM SteamRoller
GM, 137 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 5 Apr 2019
at 22:14
  • msg #230

Language Groups

Brie put the second two men to sleep, so they didn't need to surrender.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 272 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 6 Apr 2019
at 01:37
  • msg #231

Language Groups

I will be away tomorrow (Sat. April 6) so I do not expect to post again until Sunday.
Arthur Russell
player, 9 posts
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Tue 16 Apr 2019
at 05:48
  • msg #232

Language Groups


I am going to be on holiday for a week from tomorrow and unlikely to have any internet access. I will try to look in if I am able. Cheer's.


-
Catherine Harston
player, 135 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 16 Apr 2019
at 08:34
  • msg #233

Language Groups

In reply to Arthur Russell (msg # 232):

Have fun on your holiday!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 281 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 17 Apr 2019
at 03:23
  • msg #234

Language Groups

In reply to Arthur Russell (msg # 232):

Have good time.
Catherine Harston
player, 138 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 2 May 2019
at 19:57
  • msg #235

Language Groups

quote:
Joseph snaps a sharp look towards the young British woman--and his gun hand twitches towards his over-sized holster for just a second--but the young woman continues talking in pleasantries--so he turns away, hopefully before anyone notices his intense scrutiny.

~~How does she know my old Naval Rank?~~ Joseph ponders, ~~Did I slip it, somehow?  Dammit, and I was just starting to think I could trust him, too.  Better keep a closer eye on both of 'em ... ~~


Oh, that was my mistake, for some reason I thought you had mentioned that earlier. There's no way Catherine would know that information, so should I modify my post?
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 137 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Fri 3 May 2019
at 05:23
  • msg #236

Language Groups

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 235):

Catherine Harston:
Oh, that was my mistake, for some reason I thought you had mentioned that earlier. There's no way Catherine would know that information, so should I modify my post?


     NO!  Absolutely not!  Change nothing!

     While Joseph does not have any Flaws/Edges of Secret Background or Hidden History, and any such thing, he does, sometimes, seem to act a little "cagey" about his background.  Sometimes he even dodges answering specific questions by changing the subject.

     So, no, do not change that post.

     Maybe Catherine believes she heard Joseph, or maybe Felicity, mention that Joseph was a Naval Officer (neither has).
     Joseph has mentioned that he's from Galveston, Texas (a Port City), and that his Father was a Sea Captain.  I think Joseph even mentioned his Father died in 1865 "Commanding a ship in the Service of Texas".
     Possibly, in her past, Catherine has known Naval Officers--Friends, Family, Friends of family, all British, of course--and something about Joseph reminds her of them?  Some turn of phrase he's used, some element of body language, the way he holds his binoculars, or how he study's a map...reminds Catherine of someone from her past, "The Commander", and it was a mere slip of the tongue on her part, when she called Joseph "Commander".  But Joseph doesn't know that ^_^  Even Catherine doesn't realize she did that...

     Unless she happened to notice the reaction it triggered in Joseph, and is puzzled by it.


     Just as a bit of trivia--during, and for some years after, the US Civil War the conflict was called by the Union/Federal loyalists the "War of the Rebellion" or "War of the Southern Rebellion".
     On the flip side, Confederates called the conflict the "War Between the States" or the "War of Northern Aggression".
     It all depended upon POV  ^_^
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 286 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 4 May 2019
at 03:02
  • msg #237

Language Groups

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 236):


Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 138 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 6 May 2019
at 00:34
  • msg #238

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 237):


Ladies and Gentlemen,  Signore e Signori,  Meine Damen und Herren,  Mesdames et Messieurs,  Дамы и господа
...oh...and...I suppose...you people over in the Pokémon boards, too...
yeesh!

Please join with me this May the 5th, of the Year 2019, in wishing our good friend GM Steamroller a most Happy Birthday!

Born sometime in the middle of the Last Century--that would be the 20th Century, ya friggin Millenials!--Steamroller is now "Old Fart"-years old.

So please wish him well--you may need to speak up--and congratulate him on being your favorite GM.



This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Mon 06 May 2019.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 287 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 7 May 2019
at 04:11
  • msg #239

Language Groups

I will be traveling Wednesday and attending the International Medieval Congress in Kalamazoo Thursday through Sunday, returning late Sunday night. I will probably have Internet access but my playing time may be limited.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 288 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 7 May 2019
at 04:14
  • msg #240

Language Groups

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 238):

Happy birthday to Starmaster.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 292 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 21 May 2019
at 03:17
  • msg #241

Language Groups

I will be away for a week starting tomorrow (May 20).
Catherine Harston
player, 146 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 3 Aug 2019
at 01:27
  • msg #242

Language Groups

Is there a skill I can roll to know that Bofors is an arms manufacturer?
GM SteamRoller
GM, 147 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 7 Aug 2019
at 21:32
  • msg #243

Language Groups

A straight Intellect check would do it... essentially representing something you read in a newspaper or overheard as gossip in certain circles. Straight 4d6.

The only other skill that might be relevant would be Writing, probably learned as research. Intellect + Writing, so 5d6.

Oh. Also, Marksmanship. You might have used a weapon or ammunition manufactured by Bofors. Coordination + Marksmanship, so 5d6.

In any case, a roll of 12 is success.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 310 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 25 Aug 2019
at 03:06
  • msg #244

Language Groups

I will be away Aug.25 through Aug.30 --  I doubt I will have Internet access and I will be taking classes from 9:30 a.m. to about 11 p.m. so I do not expect to have time to post.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 149 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 29 Aug 2019
at 20:42
  • msg #245

Language Groups

Ha! At least they are letting you sleep! According to military regs, they only have to provide you 1 hour a day to eat, sleep, brush your teeth and shine your shoes.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 311 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 1 Sep 2019
at 03:41
  • msg #246

Language Groups

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 245):

Well, the schedule actually began at 8 a.m. and ended around 11 p.m.
Arthur Russell
player, 19 posts
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Sun 3 Nov 2019
at 00:19
  • msg #247

Language Groups


Is the GM still around ? Last post was the 29 Sep ?
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 319 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 3 Nov 2019
at 02:40
  • msg #248

Language Groups

I hope so. At all events, I am around.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 160 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 3 Nov 2019
at 03:34
  • msg #249

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 248):

I'm not!

I haven't actually "been around" since 1997...

*SIGH*
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 320 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 4 Nov 2019
at 03:16
  • msg #250

Language Groups

Does that mean you have been an NPC all this time? Or is there a subtle joke here I have missed?
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 161 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 4 Nov 2019
at 04:42
  • msg #251

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 250):

YES!  ^_^
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 321 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 5 Nov 2019
at 03:39
  • msg #252

Language Groups

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 251):

Yes to which alternative?
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 162 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 5 Nov 2019
at 04:41
  • msg #253

Language Groups

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 252):

Both, actually ^_^

But mostly as a reference to "been around the block"...y'know, "been around the block, a few times..."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 163 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 13 Nov 2019
at 05:35
  • msg #254

Holidays

Holiday Season Alert!

It's that time of year again, so everyone hang on tight, it's gonna get bumpy...

Posting will likely get slower--but at least we can blame it on Family ^_^--so I hope y'all can hang on through this most miserable season, and see it through until after the New Year ^_^

No Drop Outs!!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 322 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 14 Nov 2019
at 03:00
  • msg #255

Holidays

I expect to be home over the holidays, though I will have various local parties etc. to attend, as well as working as a volunteer for the For New Salem Christmas in the Mountains -- the local reconstructed 1790s --1800s settlement whee I work in the gift shop.
Catherine Harston
player, 153 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 30 Nov 2019
at 07:31
  • msg #256

Holidays

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 152 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 4 Dec 2019
at 18:17
  • msg #257

Holidays

Yeah. Holidaze. November was rough for me. Completely incapable of putting up any meaningful post... or even reading most of them.

Don't know what the problem was. It's like half of my brain took a sabbatical. I think it's back now.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 323 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 6 Dec 2019
at 03:57
  • msg #258

Holidays

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 257):

Very glad your brain is back. We missed it.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 165 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Fri 6 Dec 2019
at 08:55
  • msg #259

Holidays

Grimsby H. Baskerville:
Grimsby remarks, "I do not quite follow what an aboriginal carving has to do with it, but I agree that he may not be a man of high rank among our foes, if that is what they are." 


Curse you, Grimsby!  The one time I don't double-check the origin of my vernacular quips, and you catch me out for using a non-Victorian expression!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 325 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 7 Dec 2019
at 04:32
  • msg #260

Holidays

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 259):

I should admit that I did not check the date of "low man on the totem pole" --I just thought Grimsby as an Englishman might not get it.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 166 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 7 Dec 2019
at 07:02
  • msg #261

Holidays

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 260):

Oops.  Thought you knew Ted Allen is attributed with coining the term in 1940.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 77 posts
The American
Sun 15 Dec 2019
at 22:57
  • msg #262

Holidays

Gasp! What's that? In the sky? Look!

Hi, everyone. After taking a very long (much longer than expected) hiatus from RPol, I'm returning. I'm very surprised to see any game I was in still running, but so excited to see Steamroller kept my character around. He's already caught me up on events, and I'm looking forward to rejoining you on crazy airship adventures!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 329 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 16 Dec 2019
at 03:57
  • msg #263

Holidays

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 262):

Welcome back. Things are just getting very interesting n this game. I look forward to playing with you again.
Catherine Harston
player, 155 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 16 Dec 2019
at 07:58
  • msg #264

Holidays

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 262):

Welcome back!
Felicity Van Horn
player, 78 posts
The American
Tue 17 Dec 2019
at 21:58
  • msg #265

Holidays

Quick question before I post: How heavily armed did people come to this? Felicity has a long arm, but would not have brought it if the group was trying to travel light or wasn't concerned about violence. But having it will make providing cover a great deal easier, just in case.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 154 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 17 Dec 2019
at 23:43
  • msg #266

Holidays

I don't remember if everyone brought their luggage, though I have the impression that they weren't planning on returning to Sidonia. So, Felicity would have only been able to leave it in the hotel room, and it was clear how secure the room was.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 168 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 18 Dec 2019
at 10:44
  • msg #267

Holidays

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 266):

I believe we did bring everything.

After we "rescued" Dr. Solar, we made the decision to go looking for Herr Schilling's "Airship" with the intention of...."borrowing" it....in order to quickly get far away from Shilling.  And we figured, after the way Shilling had lied to, and rough-handled, Dr. Solar, letting us "borrow" his airship for a little while was the least Shilling could do ^_^

Remember--Solar was concerned for his team of horses, and we had the idea to leave them with the guy who Dr. Solar was forced--by Schilling--to test his device upon.

After we used Solar's device on Shilling and his companions, we loaded all Dr. Solar's stuff on his wagon, then went to the hotel to get our stuff, as well as make arrangements to get our rented horses back to their home, then we went out to the airship.  We'd correctly assumed that Shilling had hidden it in a place that could be reached by wagon--because he was expecting to come back with Dr. Solar and all his gear.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 171 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 21 Dec 2019
at 05:51
  • msg #268

Holidays

Buone vacanze a ciascuno di voi e ai vostri cari.

Happy Holidays to each of you and your loved ones.





Actually, though it is my Ancestral Tongue, my Italian is no better than my Japanese....I'm faking it!!!
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 172 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 21 Dec 2019
at 06:26
  • msg #269

Holidays

     Y'know...after a little thought...I think I just wished everyone "Happy Vacations"...

     *sigh*  Language...can't ever get it right...can't ever get laid without it...

     Well, anyways, Buon Natale, y'all!  And, for my friends amoung God's Chosen People--you know who you are, and thank you for not rubbing it in!--I wish you a חנוכה שמח
Felicity Van Horn
player, 80 posts
The American
Sat 21 Dec 2019
at 15:06
  • msg #270

Re: Holidays

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett:
     Well, anyways, Buon Natale, y'all!  And, for my friends amoung God's Chosen People--you know who you are, and thank you for not rubbing it in!--I wish you a חנוכה שמח


We do our best.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 156 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 22 Dec 2019
at 00:55
  • msg #271

Re: Holidays


MERRY
CHRISTMAS


and a
Happy New Year

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 332 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 23 Dec 2019
at 00:54
  • msg #272

Re: Holidays

Merry Christmas, Happy New Years and any other festivals you may celebrate. Grimsby as a good Anglican will be keeping a Dickensian Christmas.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 335 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 02:27
  • msg #273

Re: Holidays

I was reading a life of the Victorian writer George A. Sala which said that when he was in Spain in 1875 covering the struggle between King Alfonso XII's supporters and the Carlists, his train was held up by Carlists who demanded to know which side he was on. He announced in fervent tones "I am a subject of neither Alfonso not Carlos, but Victoria Regina, Defender of the Faith" and reverently removed his hat. The Carlists let him go.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 81 posts
The American
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 02:35
  • msg #274

Re: Holidays

I just saw Little Women, and it was a delight. I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good period piece.
Catherine Harston
player, 158 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 28 Dec 2019
at 08:15
  • msg #275

Re: Holidays

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 274):

Oh, I'll take a look
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 336 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 29 Dec 2019
at 02:51
  • msg #276

Re: Holidays

I think how much you like Little Women may depend on how well you know the original story. My brother saw it with his wife --she knew the story well, and enjoyed it, but he was less familiar and said for the first hour there were so many flashbacks he could not tell who the characters were or what was happening.
Catherine Harston
player, 159 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 1 Jan 2020
at 06:18
  • msg #277

Re: Holidays

Happy New Year, everyone!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 339 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 2 Jan 2020
at 03:34
  • msg #278

Re: Holidays

Happy New Year and hod gaming, everyone.
Catherine Harston
player, 161 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 17 Jan 2020
at 06:55
  • msg #279

Re: Holidays

I shall be posting today, I was just a little under the weather.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 343 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 18 Jan 2020
at 03:19
  • msg #280

Re: Holidays

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 279):

Sorry you were under the weather, but glad you plan to post. Grimsby needs to know his ward's intentions re Mars.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 355 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 22 Feb 2020
at 03:41
  • msg #281

Re: Holidays

If all goes as planned, I will be leaving for London UK tomorrow morning and arriving Sunday morning. The B&B where I will be staying has in the past had computer access that let me do RPOL from there, but I may not be functional until Monday. I will be there for 2 weeks until Mar.8.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 186 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 22 Feb 2020
at 05:05
  • msg #282

Re: Holidays

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 281):

Is it that time of year, again, Old Boy?
Felicity Van Horn
player, 88 posts
The American
Sun 23 Feb 2020
at 15:17
  • msg #283

Re: Holidays

Have fun on your European vacation!

But I think we're ready to launch that boat. Sky boat.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 187 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 00:09
  • msg #284

Re: Holidays

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 283):

Yup.  We're off to Ma--uh--Gibraltar!  Yeah, Gibraltar....get supplies....
Catherine Harston
player, 167 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 06:29
  • msg #285

Re: Holidays

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 284):

Off to Mars. I think Matt Damon got left behind again.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 356 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 23:18
  • msg #286

Re: Holidays

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 282):

Yes. I go to Britain every year about this time for research, though my wife is telling me I am getting too old for it. Yesterday in the throes of jet-lag I was feeling she might be right, but today has gone better.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 90 posts
The American
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 22:57
  • msg #287

Re: Holidays

Quick question: Wouldn't Lithuania be part of the Russian Empire at this point in history? I mean, not that that's important, but this flag talk.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 363 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 11 Mar 2020
at 03:02
  • msg #288

Re: Holidays

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 287):

Assuming the alternate history we are current playing in (obviously there are some differences from actual history) matches actual history on that point, yes, Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire at this point. It did not regain independence until after World War I in our own actual historical timeline.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 190 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 11 Mar 2020
at 15:49
  • msg #289

Re: Holidays

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 288):

     IRL you are both correct.  In GM Steamrollers "Steampunk" world the "January Uprising"* of 1862-63 was at least partially successful, and a large portion of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania achieved independence & formed a republic.

     No doubt those sneaky Brits were somehow involved!  They're always hatching plots to undermine Imperial Russian interests...  ^_^


* = Lithuanian "January Uprising"...Look it up!!  You expect me to explain everything?!  ^_^
GM SteamRoller
GM, 160 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 11 Mar 2020
at 22:05
  • msg #290

Re: Holidays

A lot of events diverged from RL events because of the advent of the 'steampunk' technology.

In the case of Lithuania, it declared independence (at the instigation of Germany rather than the Brits) after the Russo-Turkish War. Russia was feeling pressure/threatened by Sweden, Germany and the Ottoman Empire, not to mention fencing with the Brits in the Great Game along Russia's southern border. It simply couldn't suppress the independence at the time for fear of starting yet another war.

Germany thought it was a good idea to have a buffer zone between it and Russia, especially as it denied Lithuania's people and resources (including Baltic Sea access) to the Russians.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 91 posts
The American
Wed 11 Mar 2020
at 23:39
  • msg #291

Re: Holidays

Pew pew pew! Cool stuff.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 364 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 12 Mar 2020
at 03:26
  • msg #292

Re: Holidays

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 290):

Interesting. I did not know we were working within a specific alternate history. I might say I am currently (in my rare spare time) researching an alternate history I mean to create in which Britain did go to war with Russia in the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, as it almost did in our actual history. In my version, Britain not only enters the war but loses. Russia ends up with Constantinople and Bulgaria has the wider boundaries of the (in our world, abortive) Treaty of San Stefano. Armenia becomes  a Russian protectorate...Disraeli, discredited by defeat, is beaten by the Liberals with a huge majority, so Gladstone is able to implement Irish Home Rule....
GM SteamRoller
GM, 161 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 03:02
  • msg #293

Re: Holidays

Yowza! More detail about Britain than I wanted to know!

At one point, some of my friends got involved in Space: 1889 RPG. I found a bit less interesting, particularly the detail the game went into with Mars. I just didn't get it. I thought there was a lot of Earth that was still unexplored and didn't see the point of Mars. Still don't, really. Someone else's 'great idea'.

So, I decided to do an Atlas for Earth... specifically, one for each of the 7 continents. I decided to do them somewhat in the style of the old Baedeker's Travel Guides.

With Space: 1889, they had included Ruritania as a 'real' country in the Balkans. I thought: why stop there? So I've added about 100 other fictitious countries/places from fiction, comics, TV and movies. Not EVERYTHING... just the ones that had some interest.

In the process of researching the real countries from the time period, there were quite a lot of semi-countries that existed, such as Yucatan, Tierra del Fuego, Amapa, Counani, and the Mosquito Coast. So, sometimes I didn't have to make up anything--it was already there. Other times, it was just fun to make up details for places, like Lugaash (Pink Panther), Ishtar, Shambhala, Sunda, Grand Fenwick, Genovia, Concordia, etc.

With the advent of steampunk 'technology', almost-countries also had a chance to become independent, particularly amid the political jockeying of the time.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 365 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 03:43
  • msg #294

Re: Holidays

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 293):

Yucatan as an almost-country interested me. As you may know, the conventional colonial elite there did secede from Mexico, but then got defeated by the Maya (inspired by a talking cross) in the Yucatan Caste War -- the Maya rebels held out in the jungles for generations.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 162 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 13:36
  • msg #295

Re: Holidays

Exactly. The Mexican government sent a military force to conquer/subdue the Mayan government... and couldn't find it! The Mayans were a decentralized country; there was no capitol or central government to attack and force it to surrender.

One little steampunk invention easily turned that into outright independence. Along with Yucateco, Hidalgo (British Honduras/Belize) and San Pedro (Cozumel) also gained independence.

I made British Honduras into Hidalgo as a tribute to Doc Savage, named after the fleet captain that defeated the Guatemalan fleet.

San Pedro was a one-man operation as Cozumel was considered a worthless sandbar at the time.

See what fun I had?
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 191 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 21:18
  • msg #296

Re: Alternate World History

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 295):

     And I shoved a successful Empire of Mexico, under Emperor Maximillian, on him.  ^_^
     In this alternate history, Presidente Benito Juarez (and what was left of the Republic of Mexico's Treasury) were successfully captured by French forces, as the Presidential party tried to flee Mexico City, ahead of French forces.  Juarez was captured alive and imprisoned--but by Maximillian's order he was treated well.

     Maximillian met with Juarez many times, after this--the Emperor trying to convince Juarez that he was not some puppet of France, as well as informing the former Presidente of his intentions to enact many Progressive reforms to both benefit the common citizen, as well as curtail some of the powers that the Old Aristocracy (the rich Mexican Landholders who'd initiated Maximillian's rise to The Throne, in the first place) were abusing.
     Juarez listened, even made suggestions on assisting Emperor Maximillian to create a Constitution and a Parliament.  Juarez's loyalty to Emperor Maximillian was finalized, when Benito Juarez was given a full Imperial Pardon, and assumed the office of Chancellor-for-Life--the Emperor offered this to Juarez as a guarantee that Juarez would be able to provide a political "counter-balance" to the Monarchy--the Chancellor would lead the Parliament.
     Between Emperor Maximillian and Chancellor Juarez, a stable and effective Constitutional Government was quickly established.

     But how did the Mexican Empire survive, once the American "War Between The States" ended, and the US Federal Gummint could rattle its sabers about the Monroe Doctrine, again?

     Well....

     In Mexico, the European allies who'd backed Maximillian still pulled out, and for all the same reasons--Spain, then England, and finally Emperor Napoleon III, withdrew their support, and their military forces.  Only the Belgian Legion, who were personally loyal to Empress Carlotta (who was a Belgian Princess, by birth) and the Imperial Mexican Army (which was not very well trained or supplied, and had been treated poorly by Napoleon's French troopers) remained under Maximillian's control.
     While the loss of having Benito Juarez as their leader (as well as not having the Republic's Treasury to fund them), the Mexican Revolutionaries in the north were even less effective.  But, with the US Civil War over, the Federals would be pouring both money and illicit military forces into the Revolution.
     What Maximillian needed was Professionals.  Battle-hardened Soldiers, led by iron-willed Generals.
     What he got was the weary remains of the armies of the Confederate States of America.  But they were Professionals....the Mexican Revolution never had a chance....

     Enter ex-Confederate Navy Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury.  Before the War Between The States, Maury had been a US Navy Officer and Scientist, studying Ocean Currents and Meteorology.  Before The War, Maury had met several times with, and befriended, Maximillian when he was still just an Austrian Archduke--the two shared many scientific and personal interests, and had kept a correspondence over the years.  After the end of the War Between The States, Maury had gone to his friend, now Emperor of nearby Mexico, to seek refuge from US reprisals for himself and other Southerners who did not wish to live under The Reconstruction.
     Maury's original plan had just been to ask his friend the Emperor for a place where Confederate expatriates could settle in peace, while other Confederate generals such as Fighting Jo Shelby, Edmund Kirby Smith, John B. Magruder, Sterling Price, Thomas C. Hindman, and Alexander W. Terrell (Google these guys, if you're interested! What the Hell else is the Internet good for?  Oh, right...Porn.  I forgot.  Never mind).
     These former Confederate commanders had also made their way to Mexico after the war, in some cases followed by hundreds (in Shelby's case 1,000) fighting men from their former commands.  They came with the idea of volunteering as a kind of "Foreign Legion" under the Mexican Emperor, rather than live under Federal rule, back in the US.
     While all of these men had anticipated seeing the Emperor individually, before any such meetings could be arranged, each former Confederate commander received an invitation to visit the Mexico City home of a "M. Yves Florian Durand", who described himself in his note as "an anguished expatriate of La Belle New Orleans" and wished to discuss with them "the future of our Grand Confederacy".  All the ex-Confederate commanders attended this impromptu summit--and each was surprised by the presence of the others.
     Monsieur Durand, explained that he was the current, and "legitimate", leader of The Knights of the Golden Circle--a secret society that had, since before The War, been involved in fundraising and spreading sympathy for the Southern Cause, and during the war had not only gotten hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of money and materiel to the Confederacy, but they also actively engaged in espionage and sabotage, on behalf of the Confederacy.  He went on to explain that, currently, the Golden Circle had possession of several thousand British Pound Sterling worth of gold, in both bars and loose coin, and he wished to donate this money to the Generals, their soldiers, and the Southern Cause in Mexico.
     All he asked in return was to be allowed to attend a meeting, along with all of them, with Emperor Maximillian.
     Agreeing to this request, Commodore Maury arranged such a meeting for himself, along with Monsieur Durand, as well as Fighting Jo Shelby, Edmund Kirby Smith, John B. Magruder, Sterling Price, Thomas C. Hindman, and Alexander W. Terrell.
     The meeting did not start off well.  Anticipating what the Confederate Generals might ask of Emperor Maximillian, Marshal François Achille Bazaine, the commander of all French forces in Mexico, attended the meeting, and, knowing of the French Emperor Napoleon III intention to knuckle under to pressure from the US, and withdraw French forces from Mexico and abandon any plans to support the Mexican Empire--Marshal Bazaine intended to prevent any deals for the ex-Confederates to join with the Imperial Mexican Army.
     While Marshal Bazaine had no issues with Confederates moving to Mexico to become peaceful farmers, every time that one of the former Confederates offered their military services, the Marshal proclaimed, quite fervently, that the French Army would provide all needed military forces, and that France would never abandon Emperor Maximillian, and if ex-Confederate forces were allowed to join the Mexican Army "it would be an affront to all of France and Emperor Napoleon III, himself!".
     Finally, during one such affirmation by Bazaine, Monsieur Durand interrupted, addressing both Marshal Bazaine and Maximillian in flawless Parisian French, and outright called the French Officer a liar.  As the French Marshal blustered through a shocked and offended denial, Monsieur Durand began producing copies of documents from Marshal Bazaine's own Headquarters--documents from the French Military Command, outlining Emperor Napoleon III's wish to remove all French forces from Mexico, as well dates and times for the naval withdrawal of said forces, and there were even several responding documents, signed by the Marshal, himself.

     Needless to say, relations between France and Mexico crumbled quickly thereafter, and Maximillian not only accepted the offers of men and support from the former Confederate Generals, but also--after Monsieur Durand gave a generous "donation" of gold to the Imperial coffers--he gave overall command of all Imperial Mexican forces to the ex-Confederates.  So, knowing that as soon as the last French soldier was gone from Mexican soil, the US would threaten to invade, the new "Imperial Confederado" High Command began an immediate reorganization and retraining of the Mexican Army.  Tons of munitions that the Golden Circle had purchased from Britain, but were unable to deliver before The War Between The States ended, were delivered, now, to Mexico.
     While back in the US--specifically in Texas, where anti Federal sentiments still were running high--the Knights of the Golden Circle, calling themselves the "Sons of Liberty", caused as much disruption for Federal forces stationed in Texas as they possibly could, slowing US buildup of forces for a Mexican invasion.

     Thus, with the nascent Mexican Counter-Imperial Revolution being stymied from the start by the capture, and eventual pro-Imperial sentiments, of Benito Juarez (and the loss of the Republic's Treasury with him), and the influx of ex-Confederate soldiers into the new Imperial Army (reorganizing and retraining the entire organization into a copy of the old Confederate Army), enough time was bought to allow Emperor Maximillian to prove himself to the People of Mexico (Peons loved him and his wife Carlotta, and recalcitrant Nobles who ignored the Emperors new policies were often visited by steely-eyed, bayonet-armed Confederado Soldiers), as well as time to prove to potential European allies that he had staying power--it didn't take them long to recognize his legitimacy as ruler of Mexico.
     With such backing, the US lost the initiative to invade Mexico without causing an International incident.

     By 1870, the Knights of the Golden Circle produced enough gold to "purchase" Imperial permission to take control of three US-bordering Mexican states--Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas, on the Gulf Coast.  These three states would become the "Distrito Autónomo de los Estados Confederados del México Imperial", or the "Confederate States Autonomous District of Imperial Mexico"--aka, "The Confederate States", "The Confederacy", and abreviated "CSA".
     The Confederate States is a member-state of Imperial Mexico, and gains all rights and protections thereof, but it is allowed a wide degree of self-governance and law-making, which takes the form of a Republic, with a President, a Congress, and a Supreme Court--just like back in Virginia.  The autonomous Republic must swear allegiance to the Imperial Throne, and acknowledge Imperial Suzerainty over said Republic, as well as obeying a handful of Imperial Mandates (including Slavery and the Slave Trade being illegal in the Empire, and several Land Reforms...which any red-blooded, democracy-minded American would have enacted, anyway).
     The Confederate States have completely fortified their side of the Rio Bravo (called the Rio Grande, in the US), with tall, thick walls, heavy forts, and a railway that runs behind it all, using armored trains to rapidly shift men and materials.  When challenged by US forces, these fortifications often utilize sophisticated rocket artillery.  And there are rumors that the Confederates are working on fast, one-man, steam-powered Land Ironclads (Armored Cavalry).
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 192 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 21:19
  • msg #297

Re: Alternate World History

Um....apologies, everybody....that kinda got away from me....I got excited....
Catherine Harston
player, 171 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 00:03
  • msg #298

Re: Alternate World History

How long does it take us to get to Gibraltar?
GM SteamRoller
GM, 165 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 00:13
  • msg #299

Re: Alternate World History

It'll take about 4 hours to reach Gibraltar because of the indirect route you are taking.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 94 posts
The American
Tue 5 May 2020
at 01:44
  • msg #300

Re: Alternate World History

Apologies for my absence. Corona life got me kinda spun around.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 375 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 5 May 2020
at 02:11
  • msg #301

Re: Alternate World History

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 300):

Glad you are back.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 172 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 14:53
  • msg #302

Re: Alternate World History

If no one is interested in posting for the shopping spree, we can just skip ahead to the departure.

While I wasn't anticipating any lengthy adventures while in transit to Mars, I figured a few posts would be appropriate.... say, one round per month of travel... just to help convey the passage of time.

OR... we could just jump ahead to arrival on Mars... and leave it to the individuals to post about their 'ordeal' in space.

What do the rest of you think?
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 205 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 02:33
  • msg #303

Re: Alternate World History

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 302):

     If the trip to Mars is intended to be...uneventful...boring, even, then please, let's skip ahead to the approach and landing on The Red Planet.


     Because, while I truly do appreciate the opportunity for interesting Character Interaction during the trip--trust me--if I start the ball rolling on making "boring trip posts", things will quickly get very, very....strange....

     Y'see...I've been inside my head, before....it's dark and stuffy...and there's cobwebs all over the place....and the ceiling is too low, I kept bumping my head...and there is absolutely no sign of intelligence...anywhere!!!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 384 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 02:49
  • msg #304

Re: Alternate World History

I am willing to do it either way. Shopping is not a major interest for either me (Player)or Grimsby, but I suppose he could go along to watch out for pickpockets and the like.
Likewise, Grimsby is an experienced spacefarer on the Mars run, but he has no professional piloting skills, so if he was active he would probably be socializing or brushing up on his knowledge of pre-Seldonian Martian texts.
If the other players want to play out these phases of the game, fine, but he would be just as happy jumping directly to Mars.
Catherine Harston
player, 181 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 06:00
  • msg #305

Re: Alternate World History

I think a few posts en route would be nice
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 385 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 02:37
  • msg #306

Re: Alternate World History

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 305):

Grimsby is always willing to defer to his ward's wishes.
Catherine Harston
player, 182 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 03:22
  • msg #307

Re: Alternate World History

Thank you, dear guardian!
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 214 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 04:41
  • msg #308

Re: Alternate World History

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 307):

     AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!  I can't take it anymore!!

     I want that Lithuanian Punk to explain just how we're supposed to get up to that Ship's Wheel--which is out on deck!--when we're out in Space!!!

     'Cuz I do not look forward to standing a Watch out there, in a Space Suit...
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 217 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 07:00
  • msg #309

The Horror...The Horror...



Well Folks, on top of all the Pandemic Crap and Pustulent Political Posturing we've been having to deal with, we now are entering that most dreaded of social crises....

THE HOLIDAYS!

That's right, the time of year when IRL shoves it's unwanted presence upon all of us--interfering with our Gaming Plans and causing a general Slow Down of all our Posting!

I tell ya, it's enough to make a person want to eat Fruit Cake and wear Ugly Sweaters--just to make it Go Away!





Seriously though, over the next couple of months activity across the Boards traditionally  does tend to slow down, as everyone gets caught up in The Holidays.

So, whether it's pulling extra hours at work, having to "entertain" visiting Family, or just running around in circles and screaming in frustration, we all need to be just a little patient if some of our favorite Boards start to slow down--or even grind to a halt!

It's just temporary!  This, too, shall pass!

And soon enough we can get back to what's really important -- Gaming!

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 224 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 10 Dec 2020
at 05:00
  • msg #310

WHERE THE HELL AM I??

I was having difficulty with my Mobile Hotspot capability.  I finally gave up, tonight, and threw money at solving the issue.  I might get a couple of posts up, tonight, but more than likely it won't be until tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon, before I start getting caught back up.

But, at least I figgered out my new All-Purpose Excuse!

quote:
"....I blame Trump!..."

GM SteamRoller
GM, 176 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 22 Dec 2020
at 16:23
  • msg #311

Holiday Blues

It wasn't supposed to happen. I didn't foresee it happening. I'm not doing anything or going anywhere for the holidays. Yet, they up and blindsided me!

Don't why, but my brain's been mush for a couple of weeks now, creatively speaking. I sort of had an idea of what to do with this phase of the journey, but I rolled a '1' on the dice roller and fumbled it right out of my head!

I'm just starting to get some creativity back in my brain, but if anyone has an idea for what to do/where to go next, SPEAK UP!
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 225 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 23 Dec 2020
at 03:18
  • msg #312

Holiday Blues

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 311):

     Mars.  Straight to frikkin Mars!  Do not Pass Luna.  Do not Collect $200.

     ^_^
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 226 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 26 Dec 2020
at 08:15
  • msg #313

Holiday Blues

     Buon Natale, y'all!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 177 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 29 Dec 2020
at 03:35
  • msg #314

Holiday Blues

een sick for the past week. Nothing serious, just a seasonal cold where my whole body aches, I take the usual meds, and then all I feel like doing is laying around in bed all day. It's still hanging on which is why I'm posting this.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 401 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 30 Dec 2020
at 02:58
  • msg #315

Holiday Blues

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 314):

Very sorry you have been ill. I hope you recover completely very soon.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 242 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 29 Jul 2021
at 03:16
  • msg #316

Holiday Blues

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 315):

My apologies, my friends, for my recent disappearance.

I injured both of my hands last week, and typing was a bit painful.  And, Big Wuss that I am, I chose not to just "suck it up" and Post Thru The Pain... ^_^

I have finally regained the use of 1 index finger and 1 thumb--on opposing hands, so I'm still not able to pop open my own beer, dammit!--and will try to get back into things ASAP.

And I especially apologize to those games that were in the middle of exciting things!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 434 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 01:20
  • msg #317

Holiday Blues

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 316):

Very sorry for your injuries. I hope you recover rapidly.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 244 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 03:17
  • msg #318

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

Felicity Van Horn:
"I use the new double-action Colt .45 mostly," Felicity replies.

"But I also carry a back-up, the Colt Frontier, chambered for the Winchester .44.40 so the same ammo can be used for rifle or revolver."


     Y'know, I hate to be "That Guy" (he's lying!  He loves being That Guy!), and so I offer my apologies for being a Geek, here....

     When you say "the new double-action Colt .45", Felicity, are you talking about the "Peacemaker", aka the "Single Action Army, SAA, Model P"?  'Cuz that was a single-action revolver.

     Colt experimented with double-action revolver systems for decades, but he considered them to be unreliable.  Colt Manufacturing did not actually manufacture its own double-action revolver until 1877.  The Colt M1877 was chambered for 3 different calibres--the "Rainmaker" being chambered for .32 Long Colt cartridges; the "Lightning" in .38 Long Colt; and the "Thunderer" in .41 Long Colt.

     The Colt M1878 was often called the "Frontier"--it was an improved M1877, and a little bigger than the M1877.  The Model 1878 was available in .45 Long Colt, .32-20 WCF (a Winchester rifle cartridge), .38 Long Colt, .38-40 WCF, .41 Long Colt, .44-40 WCF, .455 Webley, and .476 Eley. The most popular calibers were .45 Long Colt and .44-40 WCF.

     The Colt M1892, aka the "New Army & Navy" was only ever chambered for .38 Long Colt and .41 Long Colt.

     Since you said you "also carry a back-up", I assume from that you're wearing 2 pistols--so why not just carry 2 Colt Frontier double-action pistols, both chambered for the .44-40 WCF?  As I also assume you own a Winchester rifle of the same calibre--probably the very popular Winchester Model 1873--that would mean you only ever have to carry/buy that one type of cartridge for all 3 weapons.  Very efficient ^_^
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 245 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 03:46
  • msg #319

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 318):

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaack...!


Okay, Petras uses British artillery ammunition in his cannons....

But what does that mean...?!

The pic of the ship has the cannon looking like "long but narrow" barrels.  Maybe 1 Pounder Rifled cannons?  Maybe something like the British QF 1-pounder "Pom-Pom Gun" autocannon?  The British also had a Naval 2-pounder...

The typical British 1-pounder "Common Shell" of the era was the "37mm x 94mm, 1 lb (0.45 kg) Common Shell".  This was a popular shell, and was even used with 1-pounder Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon.  But I assume Petras' cannon fire only 1 round at a time.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 104 posts
The American
Thu 12 Aug 2021
at 01:33
  • msg #320

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

Yes, it's the 1878 Colt .45 Frontier, as opposed to the Colt Frontier Six-shooter which was the single-action version.

No, she doesn't wear two holsters. She keeps the back-up hidden, and yes, she has a Winchester rifle that uses the same ammo as her back-up.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 246 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Fri 13 Aug 2021
at 07:53
  • msg #321

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 320):

Cool.  .45 Long Colt, plus twice that in .44-40 Winchester, for Felicity.

Let's hope I can find that much American-made ammo, here in the heart of British influence on Mars  ^_^
GM SteamRoller
GM, 187 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 16 Dec 2021
at 04:15
  • msg #322

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

In my 20+ years of PbP gaming on various sites, it was generally accepted that posting between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day diminished considerably due to Holidaze, work schedule changes, family, shopping, putting up decorations, etc. For that reason, expectations for timely posts was kind of put on hold.

In my case, this didn't usually apply to me, but this year, I seem to have hit a down cycle. It's probably a combination of age + health + meds + diet + environment + Holidaze. So, just bear with me while I sort it all out and hopefully get back on track in the new year.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 446 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 17 Dec 2021
at 02:44
  • msg #323

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

As I said elsewhere, I do not think the holidays will delay me much, but I am quite willing to allow for the GM and others who may have different schedules.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 251 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 17 Feb 2022
at 05:07
  • msg #324

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

     So ... Idiot Boy (me) finally went and bought a New Laptop.  Oh, and not just a new laptop -- oh no! -- I went and bought an up to date, current technology laptop.  Super-duper Processor, fast as a rabbit internet, more graphics power than I'll ever need, and it even has Windows 11 installed ... this thing is something the NSA would be jealous of.
(just kidding, guys at the NSA!  You have the superior computers, of course ... please don't raid my house ...)

     So of course, I have no idea how to make this damn thing do any of the things I want it to do!  I keep giving it commands ... it keeps refusing ... I keep hitting the Run button ... it just runs around my house, yelling "Nyaa-nyaa" ... I keep chasing after it, waving a 3-pound ball peen hammer ... sigh ...

     So please bear with me, until I beat some obedience get through the learning curve of this new machine.
(never mind the time it'll take to transfer all the data from the old computer to the new one!)

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 447 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 18 Feb 2022
at 03:12
  • msg #325

Ammo, ammo, ammo, ammo....

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 324):

Deepest sympathy, having recently gone through a similar experience.
James Cochrane
player, 6 posts
English Archaeologist
Sat 12 Mar 2022
at 22:06
  • msg #326

New arrival

Hi everyone,

New player picking up an existing character, the original player only made a brief appearance but I hope to keep the character going.

Looking forward to playing!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 451 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 13 Mar 2022
at 02:34
  • msg #327

New arrival

Welcome. JC is a professional in archaeology, which is Grimsby's hobby. We should do well together.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Sun 13 Mar 2022.
Catherine Harston
player, 197 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 20 Mar 2022
at 10:09
  • msg #328

New arrival

In reply to James Cochrane (msg # 326):

Welcome!

Sorry for my absence, my aunt has been quite ill, but I am hoping to resume!
This message was last edited by the player at 10:10, Sun 20 Mar 2022.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 453 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 25 Mar 2022
at 21:41
  • msg #329

New arrival

Somehow, I seem to have missed this game when I was posting a circular to all my games in RPOL
to say that I would be out for several days because I was having my right hip replaced. I am happy to see that you folks have been having a lively time without me.

Here follows my official return notice:
I am very happy to say I am back with my new hip as of Mar. 25. I am sorry this took several days longer than originally expected. I will do my best to catch up with everything I may have missed. I thank all GMs and players for their patience.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 189 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 31 Mar 2022
at 01:08
  • msg #330

New arrival

Alas, I don't have that reason. I've just been too tired to post.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 190 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 18 Apr 2022
at 12:02
  • msg #331

New arrival

I've been under the weather for the past two weeks with insufficient mental energy to post, and then Thursday morning the AC went out so I've been melting in 90-degree heat for the past 4 days. Tech finally got here yesterday and the AC was working fine when he left, but now it's out again! Aaargh!
James Cochrane
player, 11 posts
English Archaeologist
Mon 18 Apr 2022
at 18:04
  • msg #332

New arrival

oof... that sucks... hope you are feeling better and get that AC back up and running soon!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 460 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 19 Apr 2022
at 02:42
  • msg #333

New arrival

Yes. It does indeed suck. I grew up without air-conditioning (most people did in my time and place (1950s smalltown Ohio)) so I know how that feels. I devoutly hope you can get the AC back reliably so your brain is not frying and you can enjoy gaming.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 259 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 25 Apr 2022
at 02:18
  • msg #334

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 333):

Aw-right, aw-right, aw-right....

Petras Valois:
He can't help wondering, though, how effective shooting downward or upward will be, so he decides to ask Grimsby.

"Mr. Baskerville, sir," he begins, "can these guns fire downward?  And how effective are they at firing upward?"

"It seems to me that any two ships would need to be on an even keel, as it were. Correct?"

     I'm taking from this that Petras did not "make" his own guns, but simply installed some cannon that he purchased (probably of British manufacture, as he's already mentioned that whatever weapons he has would use British ammunition).

     The image of Petra's ship that used to be in the Game Maps had shown a pair of long, narrow gun barrels, apparently mounted below decks, in the forward hull, close to the bow.  Each barrel projected from a spherical-looking mounting which might have been some kind of gimballed turret (to allow for a range of motion), or they could just be fixed in place.

     I've posted on a couple of occasions that Joseph has "looked over" these guns.  I've also mentioned him having "some small ability" with artillery--specifically Naval guns.  He has the Gunnery skill (2D), with focus in Breech-loading Cannon (1D) and Rotary Cannon (1D).  So, until I'm told otherwise, I'm going to assume these guns hold no surprises for Joseph.

     At the moment, my/Joseph's only concern is that these guns, as they appeared in the old image, did not look to have any way to "sight" the targets (no way to see through the hull) -- which could just mean they may rely on a "Fire Coordinator" up on deck.

     But, as that old image is now gone, everything I just wrote may be inaccurate ... and using these guns could be as easy as just opening the gunports and running the beasts out ^_^

     But if you really wanna know more about this...!


     I Hate to go all Pedantic on y'all (who'm I kidding--I love doing this!), but the skillset of "aiming" artillery is called Gun Laying.  That's the process of aiming an artillery piece or turret, such as a gun, howitzer, or mortar, on land, in air, or at sea, against surface or aerial targets.

     Gun laying is a set of actions to align the axis of a gun barrel so that it points in the required direction. This alignment is in the horizontal and vertical planes.

     A gun is "traversed" (rotated in a horizontal plane) to align it with the target, and "elevated" (moved in the vertical plane) to range it to the target.  A gun is "elevated" to raise it abouve the horizontal plane, and "depressed" to lower it below the horizontal.

     Gun laying may be for direct fire, where the layer sees the target, or indirect fire, where the target may not be visible from the gun. Gun laying has sometimes been called "training the gun".

     And now I'm gonna stop ^_^

     If you want to know more, the Wikipedia link, below, does a pretty good job, without getting too technical (mostly)...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laying
GM SteamRoller
GM, 193 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 3 May 2022
at 22:28
  • msg #335

Getting Back To It...

AC finally got fixed. Took 2 weeks and the company had to send out a master tech to fix the screw ups of the other 3 techs. I'm sure Easter weekend had something to do with it.

Now I just need to find a master tech to fix ME!


The ship picture is still there, Joseph... Game Map 3.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 465 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 4 May 2022
at 02:53
  • msg #336

Getting Back To It...

I just checked the game maps, and as of when I checked, the only post there seemed to be an image of some sort of brass lamp (/). No deck plan or anything else.

At the moment "Grimsby" does not know whether the guns can be raised or depressed. The late 19th century guns I have seen in person did not look as if they could be raised or depressed significantly, but I have seen only a few, and that years ago. None of the online resources I could find were specific on that point.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 194 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 4 May 2022
at 23:02
  • msg #337

Getting Back To It...

Somewhere along the line I changed the Groups for players... can no longer recall why I did that, but was thinking only of visible threads. Forgot that it also applied to the Maps. Fixed now.


Guns can be elevated to change the arc and therefore the distance that they fire. Guns weren't normally mounted on the sides of ships. Doing so on an airship is because they need to be able to fire fore and aft as well as up and down.

I'm thinking of cannons with cannonballs, so if you point the gun downward, the cannonball will roll out. Don't know if that's true or not, but that's my perception. Shells won't do that if they have a rim. The bigger naval guns didn't have that as the propellant was loaded separately.

The picture in the Game Map 3 doesn't look like it's got cannons, but then I don't have any reasonable concept of the diameter of barrels for guns.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 466 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 5 May 2022
at 02:58
  • msg #338

Getting Back To It...

There are some narrow projections from the front of the vessel --they look too thin to be cannons.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 260 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 5 May 2022
at 03:44
  • msg #339

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 338):

I have been assuming that those "narrow projections" were cannon barrels sticking out from sponson turrets.  Further, I took their narrow appearance as an indicator that they were likely 1-Pounder cannon (the length I assumed was somebody's bright idea to make them "long range").

After looking at some historical pictures of 1-Pounder cannon -- they all looked to be approximately the same size as a Browning 50. Caliber heavy machinegun, just a slightly thicker barrel -- I'm now thinking that, if those "tubes" are cannon barrels, they may be 2-Pounders.

1-Pounders on average were 37mm shells, while 2-Pounders averaged around 40mm.  As the name implies, these weapons are categorized by the weight of the projectile, and there was a lot of variation in bore diameter for these weapons, in the late 19th Century.

That would leave GM SteamRoller a lot of leeway in what he wants them to be -- including being knock-offs of British Guns made by some fly-by-night Czech arms manufacturer (what the hell does a teenaged Genius know about dealing with Eastern European Arms Dealers? ^_^)
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 471 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 1 Jul 2022
at 22:42
  • msg #340

Getting Back To It...

I should say I will be traveling July 3 through July 9. I am not sure how much internet access I will have.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 473 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 11 Jul 2022
at 03:00
  • msg #341

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 340):

I have returned from Britain and am ready to play on. I thank the GM for the information about the absent flag.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 478 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 5 Aug 2022
at 02:08
  • msg #342

Getting Back To It...

I expect to be away at the Pennsic War from tomorrow (Aug. 5) until at least the following Thursday. I might be able to get on during that time, but I can't count on it.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 199 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 16 Aug 2022
at 23:50
  • msg #343

Getting Back To It...

So apparently it was my turn to get Covid, although a weaker strain. Culminated Monday night when I fell getting out of bed because I got dizzy and my legs were so weak they couldn't support me. After friends helped me get into a chair, called an ambulance to take me to the hospital for evaluation and testing. Everything else was clear but the test came back positive for Covid. Put some fluids in me, gave me a few prescriptions for me cough, and sent me home.

According to the doctor, I have had it for a few days, so Monday was the worst of it. Getting better, but I still feel like crap and a bit unsteady on my feet.

At least this explains why I've been feeling so crappy for awhile now.
Catherine Harston
player, 207 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 17 Aug 2022
at 05:15
  • msg #344

Getting Back To It...

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 343):

Ouch! I think I've managed to escape Covid, but I heard a lot of people have gotten it and not realized that they did.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 479 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 18 Aug 2022
at 02:21
  • msg #345

Getting Back To It...

My wife and I had mild versions of Covid in January. Mine was even milder than hers, and if I had been on my own I suspect I would not have realized I had it. Since she had it, I was tested and I had it too, but very mildly.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 200 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 31 Aug 2022
at 22:29
  • msg #346

Getting Back To It...

Probably should apologize for not posting an update here, but brain's been too tired to even think of doing that.

Getting better. Just slow.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 480 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 4 Sep 2022
at 01:44
  • msg #347

Getting Back To It...

I apologize for not reporting I would be away for 2 days (Sept.1-2) while attending my MA graduation. For some reason, I could not get on RPOL just before I left in order to warn you.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 201 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 9 Oct 2022
at 13:38
  • msg #348

Getting Back To It...

Yea! Power's back as of Friday afternoon. Internet came back late Friday night. We thought it'd take long because we're at the tail end of a line and the telephone pole and transformer at the other end of the block were both lying on the ground because the pole had snapped in half!

Spent yesterday cleaning up, picking up the pieces, putting things back in place, and making sure nothing got burnt out. We'd unplugged the TVs and shut off the AC at the circuit box, so we seem to be okay.

Our two house cats keep wanting to go out on the back porch like they used to, but it's half gone, so that's not going to be an option for awhile.

Anyway, expect to get caught up on my games today.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 267 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 3 Dec 2022
at 07:04
  • msg #349

Getting Back To It...

ATTENTION
Inmate 11753 -- aka SteamRoller -- really pissed-off the Warden, last Thursday, and was sent to The Hole.  Rumor is the Warden is gonna let 11753 out sometime Monday, with severe restrictions.

GM SteamRoller
GM, 205 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 22 Dec 2022
at 16:53
  • msg #350

Getting Back To It...

 
 Apologies to everyone for not keeping up with my games by posting more often, but I've been under the weather since the beginning of October and haven't had much mental energy. 
 
 
  M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S  
 

Catherine Harston
player, 210 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 22 Dec 2022
at 22:12
  • msg #351

Getting Back To It...

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 350):

Merry Christmas!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 487 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 23 Dec 2022
at 02:05
  • msg #352

Getting Back To It...

As I said in another game, very sorry the GM has been so ill. I do hope he recovers and feels able to play more actively soon.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 268 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 9 Jan 2023
at 20:39
  • msg #353

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 352):

Hey Everybody!

Something that some of you may know about me is that the December to February time of year is when I send my Brain out for a good Washing.  And as so often happens, I then can't remember where I sent it, and it takes a month or two to find it again ... so that's where I've been.
(I.e., my Manic Cycle is at its yearly lowest, and I don't give a shit about nothing!)

But enough of my lies and excuses...


StarMaster went back into the hospital last Friday (01/06).  Over the last month -- after he'd been cleared of COVID by the Doctors -- he was still feeling weak and "out of it".  The weakness got slowly worse, and he also lost his appetite, just couldn't sleep well, and had difficulty focusing.

He finally managed to schedule a VA appointment to actually see a Doctor for next Friday -- so he needed to go to the VA to get bloodwork done this past Friday.

He was unsteady on his feet by then, so I drove him up to the VA for the bloodwork that morning -- we got home around Noon and about an hour later, his VA Doc calls up and orders him to get to an ER immediately!

The Doc said his A1C was way abouve 9.0.  That's no typo -- abouve 9 - point - 0!!

We rushed him immediately to the Hospital (assume Standard Hospital ER Nightmare) and finally got him admitted.

As of the time of this writing, if the Docs actually have any idea about the cause of what's happening, they ain't telling StarMaster...

Anyway, That's all I know.  I'll keep checking in with him, and if I learn anythi--Crap!  My Brain fell out from my ear again!

Now I gotta go chappabloomatonka...pllllllllllllltt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 488 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 10 Jan 2023
at 02:24
  • msg #354

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 353):

As I said elsewhere, this is deeply disturbing, but I hope now our GM is actually in the hospital, he will get the help he needs.
Catherine Harston
player, 211 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 10 Jan 2023
at 06:43
  • msg #355

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 353):

Hugs all around!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 206 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 16 Jan 2023
at 05:32
  • msg #356

Getting Back To It...

So here's what's been happening...

I've been 'ill' for about three months now, starting with getting COVID back in the beginning of October. Wasn't too bad and I got over it in a few days, but it left me with the typical aftermath symptom of being tired ALL THE TIME. I was slowly getting over it, and even had a few hours of energy every day.

I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for mid-October but then Hurricane Ian hit. The VA clinic took some damage and was closed for two weeks. I finally got the appointment rescheduled for Jan. 13.

December 1st, I had a minor chest pain on my right side. It felt like just a minor muscle strain but at my age and with my medical history, I felt it was prudent to check. Called the VA clinic to see about a walk-in visit the next day and the nurse I talked to went into panic mode with the 'chest pain' words, and told me to go to the ER. So, on Friday, December 2nd, that's what I did. More panic mode.

Spent 4 days being poked and prodded, inspected, detected, and injected and stuff, only to be told my heart was fine. More exactly, they couldn't find any cause for the chest pain... the obvious cause seemed to elude them.

Here's where it started going to hell. Getting out of the hospital, I had an extreme loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and NO ENERGY. Didn't have any of that when I went in!

Not only was I not hungry, but nothing tasted appealing any more. Could barely eat my favorite foods, and then only 2-3 bites. On top of that, I ran out of one of my diabetes medicines. Not eating and drinking much, I also wasn't taking my meds as regularly as I had been.

This went on for the next three weeks, so things probably grew gradually worse without me quite realizing it.

December 31st, I managed to pull a back muscle, and while the pain meds I took didn't do squat, I at least knew it'd go away in a few days. It did. And then I got hives!

Jan. 6 I went to the VA clinic to get bloodwork done for my doctor's appointment. No sooner did I get home than the doctor called to tell me my blood sugar level was 903! I needed to go to the ER pronto! That's where I've been for the past week. :-(

I still didn't feel all that bad (weak and no energy), but I definitely had some serious health issues. Turned out I had ketoacidosis and some kidney issues. After a few days treatment, the keto was gone, kidneys were all better, and my blood sugar was back to normal. Now I had to survive the 'recovery'. As long as I was stuck in that hospital bed, though, I knew I wasn't going to get better. So now I'm home.

Have a nurse helping me, and physical therapy should start tomorrow. And now I have to play tag with a doctor's appointment again...

Anyway, the reason I'm telling you all this is in case you, family or a friend should find yourself in a similar situation, you'll have a heads-up/warning about what's might be happening.


Now it's just recovery and rehab.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 489 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 17 Jan 2023
at 02:19
  • msg #357

Getting Back To It...

Very best wishes for recovery and rehab. This sounds like a horrible experience, but I am glad you have finally turned the corner.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 207 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 30 Jan 2023
at 22:35
  • msg #358

Getting Back To It...

Still here. As it turns out, seven days in a hospital bed really did a number on me, no doubt helped along by my age. Still tired most of the time, energy/stamina comes and goes. There are times when I get out of the recliner and only manage to take three steps before I have to sit down again. Other times, I can get up and zip around the house with the walker with no problem. So it seems like it's going to take me twice as long to recover as I was hoping/expecting it to.

Hoping to get back to my games in another day or two.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 490 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 31 Jan 2023
at 02:15
  • msg #359

Getting Back To It...

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 358):

Very sorry that your recovery is being so slow. My wife and I tend to lack energy too, but that is mostly old age, not COVID.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 208 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 31 Jan 2023
at 02:25
  • msg #360

Getting Back To It...

Yeah, that, too. The tiredness is probably still a hangover from COVID, but the lack of stamina is all on the hospital stay. It's why they normally send  you to rehab. Since I had support at home and the VA would cover some home health care, I felt I'd be better off at home.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 491 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:04
  • msg #361

Getting Back To It...

If all goes as planned, I will be leaving early Saturday Feb.25 and arriving in Britain early Feb. 26, where I will be staying doing research until I return Mar.13. I am usually able to post to RPOL from the computers in the B&B where I regularly stay, but I do not expect to post Feb.25 or Mar.13.
Catherine Harston
player, 212 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 17:45
  • msg #362

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 361):

Neat! I hope the trip goes well!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 209 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 19:58
  • msg #363

Getting Back To It...

So while I was stuck in the hospital bed for two weeks, I wrote and rewrote this post in my head several times. Don't remember any of it now, so here's the newest version.

THE NEVER-ENDING STORY...

The Missing Chapter: when I was discharged from the hospital back in January, I was sent home with a Foley catheter, which was more of an annoyance and handicap for my home rehab at the time. Managed to get an appointment with the VA  urologist two weeks later. He thought I should never have been sent home with it, but it was time to get it removed. Took a week of scheduling shuffles but finally went home without it on the following Thursday.

That Friday night when getting ready for bed, I lost my balance while setting something on the floor and fell over on my back onto the concrete floor. My housemate helped me get up and everything seemed fine once I was back out in the recliner. Nope. Come Saturday, I was in excruciating pain across all the muscles in my chest and back. Doan's, Aleve, Tylenol didn't help at all. Monday added a heating pad... better. Wednesday, switched to BenGay... better, but still couldn't sleep, so Thursday went back to the VA for some stronger pain meds.

That doctor saw the previous records and thought I might be having a pulmonary embolism and immediately did an ambulance transfer to the ER. 6 hours later the ER doctor decided that wasn't the case and sent me home with vicadin. Didn't do anything but pharmacy was closed so had to wait till the next day to get more.

After that, everything was fine for a few hours. Mid-afternoon, I suddenly couldn't move my legs!

EMT/PD shortly had me back in the ER. MRI of head and neck revealed a tumor in my C2 vertebra. Had spinal surgery next morning! Being the weekend, it took 4 days to get the pathology back which identified it as prostate cancer. Caught it early and getting chemo, and now in rehab to walk again.

Other than that, I'm in great health (for my age)! Probably 4-6 weeks in rehab before I go home.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 492 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 21:32
  • msg #364

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 362):

So far, I have reached London, but have done almost nothing yet but travel, eat and doze. I hope to go to the British Library tomorrow (Monday Feb.27) until about  8 p.m. and then check in again here sometime after 9 p.m. London Time.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 494 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 12 Mar 2023
at 21:31
  • msg #365

Getting Back To It...

Tomorrow (Monday Mar.13) I expect to spend all day returning to my home in the US, arriving about midnight. I hope to be in shape to resume gaming Tuesday Mar.14
GM SteamRoller
GM, 211 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 9 Apr 2023
at 17:35
  • msg #366

Getting Back To It...

Apologies for no update but really didn't think there was one.

Still paraplegic trying to recover mobility at a poor rehab facility with bad nursing and half-horrible food until...

Developed a sore on my butt from laying in bed 24/7 that didn't get treated properly and turned gangrene, so now I'm back in the hospital with surgery scheduled for Tuesday.

Recovery to go home was still about a month away. Don't yet know how this new problem will affect that.

Low energy levels at rehab have left me with a one-track mind--just have trouble shifting gears between game systems right now.

My OCD stubbornness is still keeping me from pulling the plug on my games. I really have fun running games and it really bums me out that I can't keep them going right now for all of you. For those of you who are still sticking around waiting for the game to restart, I sincerely apologize for the delay. For those of you who have moved on, no hard feelings here--I completely understand.

Anyway, Happy Easter to everyone!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 495 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 10 Apr 2023
at 03:09
  • msg #367

Getting Back To It...

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 366):

As I said elsewhere, I am very sorry for the miserable RL situation and hope the hospital treats you better than the rehab. I would be glad to game on if your situation ever permits. I wish you a truly happy Easter and a better future.
Catherine Harston
player, 215 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 11 Apr 2023
at 08:30
  • msg #368

Getting Back To It...

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 366):

Oh my goodness! I hope things get better!
GM SteamRoller
GM, 212 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 7 May 2023
at 08:14
  • msg #369

Getting Back To It...

Can't sleep, can't focus to post... turn. More of the same. Turn. Repeat.

STAGE MINUS ONE--SPINAL SURGERY: Hell, I don't even remember half of it. This would have been the spinal surgery to remove the tumor and put me on my back for two weeks. DONE. SUCCESS!

STAGE ZERO--REHAB ERROR: Weeks at rehab facility where inadequate and improper nursing care turned an ordinary bedsore into a far more serious gangrene wound... one that now needed surgery to fix. DONE? WAS THAT A SUCCESS OR FAILURE?

STAGE ONE--BACKSIDE SURGERY: Operation on my tailbone went off without a hitch apparently. Just left with a major wound on my tailbone. Couldn't/can't put pressure on the wound while it heals, thus laying on my side and having to get turned to the other side every two hours, necessitating having to learn to type on my laptop upside down and sideways with one finger. Remember, this is at the BETTER recovery/rehab facility rather than at home, so options are still limited. Did I mention the I-V dangling from my arm that also gets in the way? DONE. SUCCESS.

STAGE TWO--STAPLES/SUTURES REMOVAL: Staples and stitches still need to come out. Don't have a timeline for that yet but presumably soon.
___STAGE 2.1: First half of the staples were taken out Tuesday. On schedule, standard routine. DONE. SUCCESS.
___STAGE 2.2: Second half of staples were removed Friday. Again, right on schedule with no complications. DONE. SUCCESS.
___STAGE 2.3: Sutures are currently supposed to come out on Monday, though that probably depends on how the final healing has progressed, since not everyone will heal the same way. PENDING.

STAGE THREE--WOUND REHAB: sitting protocols start as soon as sutures come out (?). Start getting used to sitting up  again... in 15-minute intervals. No details yet on frequency or duration. Will kind of depend on how well I do, but further complicated by not  having any control of my leg muscles. Requires moving to a normal bed rather than this deluxe air bubbling mattress that's meant to stimulate skin/muscle do I don't get more bedsores.

STAGE FOUR--HOME REHAB: As soon as I can stand up on my own two legs, I should be able to go home for final rehab. Regain mobility. At this point, there's no telling how well the wound rehab and the paralysis rehab will work together. The therapist seemed to think they could make them work together in synergy, but I didn't get a whole lot of enthusiasm from him. I suppose it could be uncharted territory for him.


ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: I now qualify for Frequent Surgery Miles. I've had four surgeries so the fifth one is free! Oddly, I started with the Big One (double bypass heart surgery 15 years ago) and that went easier than these.

Still not sure if there's a light at  the end of the tunnel yet--if there is, hope it's the Battery Low indicator and not the Westbound #9 train!
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 496 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 8 May 2023
at 02:12
  • msg #370

Getting Back To It...

Deepest sympathy. See my fuller response in our other game.
Catherine Harston
player, 216 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 8 May 2023
at 05:45
  • msg #371

Getting Back To It...

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 369):

Oooh, ouch. My aunt had a difficult recovery after a surgery earlier this year.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 213 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 17 May 2023
at 13:04
  • msg #372

Getting Back To It...

Sympathies for your aunt. Don't wish it on anyone.

___STAGE 2.3: Sutures came out on Monday right on schedule, but the final healing is still in progress for several weeks/months. DONE. SUCCESS.

STAGE THREE--WOUND REHAB: sitting up for continued wound rehab protocols start as soon as sutures came out, about a week ago now. Start getting used to sitting up  again... in 15-minute intervals twice a day. Moved to a standard air mattress bed. Frequency and duration will kind of depend on how well I do, but further complicated by not having any control over my leg muscles and not enough feeling below the waist. Communication/responsibility issue has only produced one session--should have been six by now! PENDING???

___STAGE 3.5--RESUME PREVIOUS REHAB: In a week or two or three depending on how quickly I improve here, I get transferred to yet another Rehab facility for continued wound recovery... takes a long time... as well as mobility rehab.

___Stage 3.7--TRANSFER TO NEW REHAB: So the Wound Recovery has done well enough that I'm getting transferred to a different rehab facility for the Sitting/Mobility rehab. Don't know why there's a difference other than where I'm at is more medical than therapeutic so they need to make room for a new patient.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: Different tunnel, different light. I suppose it's a step in the right direction, but we'll have to see how it goes.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 497 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 18 May 2023
at 01:31
  • msg #373

Getting Back To It...

As I said elsewhere, very best wishes for your continued recovery.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 269 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 23:16
  • msg #374

Getting Back To It...


Fellow Human Beings ... Fellow Gamers ... Friends ...

It is with a saddened heart that I inform you all of the passing of Robert Rusk -- better known to many of us as StarMaster.

Rob passed in his sleep on Thursday morning, July 6, 2023, at approximately 10:30am.  He had been hospitalized since early in the year due to complications concerning Cancer & associated surgeries.  He was 73 years old.

Rob was a Comics Fan Boy & fiction writer wannabe his whole life and came to Roleplaying in the Early Days of 1978.  It was my distinct pleasure to have met him, and gamed with him, since that time.

After his Retirement, Rob committed himself to the community he found in RPol, participating in over 20+ games, here.  He was an especial "softie" for GM-adopting abandoned games and working to keep them running, for the enjoyment of the Players.

He will be missed.

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 498 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 7 Jul 2023
at 01:15
  • msg #375

Getting Back To It...

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 374):

Very sorry to learn of this loss to the RPOL/sf/gaming community. I am of much the same generation that Robert was, being 73 years old and coming to role-playing gaming in 1976.
At this point, it is always a great loss when another of the old-timers goes.
Catherine Harston
player, 217 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 8 Jul 2023
at 07:47
  • msg #376

Getting Back To It...

Very sad, I am terribly sorry to hear it.
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