To discuss anything out of character..

For those of you not familiar with Rpol, one of the things I like about it is that within each game you play in, you can set a character portrait from a pretty big selection and also, when you've decided on your character name, I can change it so that it shows your character name, rather than your rpol name when you post. I think it helps to see the character names.

Just out of interest, I'd like to see what timezones each of us is in, just so I can get an idea when to expect posts, or in the case of combat etc, who might be last to read messages etc.

I'm in the UK, so I'm at GMT +/- 0.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 2):

I'm in Sweden, so GMT +2 for me.

I'm GMT -4

but as my kids are young and don't sleep it may appear that I can teleport between daylight in Argentina and/or Armenia as well
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Tue 19 May 2020.

Gmt +2

In reply to AugustTell (msg # 5):

GMT -4
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Mon 18 May 2020.

GMT -7 (PST) It's not like I'm doing anything with my days, so it doesn't really matter what time of day sessions end up being.

No worries. With pbp you can post whenever it's appropriate. The only time there's a big deal about posting order is for combat, though we will have to work out an alternative to the Initiative cards as it is a little unwieldy online. But that's something for later.

Characters here:
https://docs.google.com/spread...tmGSTzW2biQo3Y-6TwU/

You should see a pen icon up right  for open the document for editing. Use the tab with your username. Tadaa

In reply to AugustTell (msg # 9):

Looks good to me, filling out my tab.  Double-checking, should we leave Pride And Secret off the google sheet tab of ours?

Dark Secret leave off... Pride is okay to include.

If your character chooses to tell others of his secret in the game then that's fine, but for now I'd like to keep them private.

WHERE TO START:

That's the big question now. Does anyone have any preference where on the map you want to start?

I'm using the standard map for the Ravenlands and it will be Winter when we start the game. Besides that I'm open to suggestions. Let me know your thoughts.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 12):

Grom comes from the Fangwoods in the southeast, but as a guide he can basically be anywhere in the Forbidden Lands.

Do you want the PCs to know each other from the get go, or do we start with them meeting up? Should we use the L&A-booklet to roll determine how we met?

I have an idea for how they met, which will be at the start of the game.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 12):

We spent a lot of time in and nearby the Hollows in my previous game, so anywhere other than that would get my vote.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 16):

Grindbone could be nice, or maybe some random village? Wailer's Hold is a nice place for some looting, if that is our focus.

In reply to Gorm (msg # 17):

Lothar does enjoy himself some stealing...

I rolled How you met: abducted by slavers. I put it my backstory of the character, some 30 years ago when he was young.
 Something to build on?

Since we are using rolled or picked background from Legends we all have origins from around the ravenland (also aslene?).

-

The slavers were a horserider clan in the Moldena Plains at this time, using a trident as mark and branding their slaves with that symbol. They killed the old and enslaved the young of other clans, as well as underdefended villages.

Harinder the slave, in time, learned poisoning and escaped with other youths. They would have been between 10 and 18 y.o. back then. The refugee group Harinder lead (may have been others) went north, to the gargan marshes / lake Varda, where some of the kids had been taken from, finding a village deserted ...

In reply to Harinder (msg # 19):

That works very well with my backstory, I like it a lot as an origin.

In reply to Brevis (msg # 20):

I feel like Lothar, a somewhat shifty but otherwise likable Halfling, maybe could have  encountered one or all of you at some point. Understanding the value of strength in numbers, out in the wilderness at least, he would likely offer to join you on any adventures that might be on the horizon.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Sun 24 May 2020.

Okay, with that backstory in mind, I think that you would likely be starting in one of the villages in either Q14, Q18 or U18.

I'll let you guys decide which one. But for one reason or another - Harinder likely because it's where he fled as a child with other escaped children - you have spend the last few weeks/months resting from your recent activities there until you are well enough to press on with your next endeavour.

In reply to Harinder (msg # 19):

What's the name of your village? Could there have been an archery tournament there? Trying to build it into my backstory why Gorm went so far north. He is originally from the Fangwoods to the southeast.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:59, Sun 24 May 2020.

Hardinder rode around the great lake, eastwrds, and brought the killer boy home, to the village of Runething. It lay at the edge of the Dankwoods. It was deserted and in ruins. He would stay with his mother, the boy said, and hugged a black skeleton lying on the stone floor in a shed.

--

This boy and others brougt the village to life again over the following 20 years. It has ample defenses and a militia trained in bow and arrow, both for hunting and defense. The customs come from the Aslene roots of the refugee slaves who built the wall around Runething, now hunters, leaders, foresters and fathers.

Since the blood mist fell, the annual springtime games hav become popular in the area.

How well this all fit with what GM has in mind, I do not know.

In reply to Harinder (msg # 24):

That sounds okay to me. Runething can be your home village. If we start you off in U18 on the main map.

I've got an idea for our first journey & quest.

I think if we split the IC threads between journeys and adventure sites to better keep track of time too.

Eins has arrived in the village after finally being released from the orc horde he was traveling with. They were finally heading home after a few years campaigning and had no more use for Eins, so they let him go, pointing him towards Runething as the nearest village. After hiking for a day and a half across the plain, he arrived in Runething, deadbeat and dirty. He has little money and few prospects, so he's planning on taking the first job that presents itself. First though, he plans on getting a drink and taking a bath.

Caile is also a recent arrival in Runething. He is on the run, but from whom he is reluctant to divulge. His flight has brought him north, seeking out his former friends among the Ghost Children. The search has led him to this secluded village on the shore of Laak Varda, where he chanced upon Brevis, his old brother-in-arms. Their reunion was interrupted by a confused old man who seemed to have lost track of both time and his sensibilities...

You might want to update the Character Description.. I've changed character names for you.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 28):

Done and done. And thank you =D

So, for those not used to playing on forums I thought I'd just give a few tips & suggestions.

Usually when in a pure roleplay 'scene' people will just post when appropriate for their character to join in a conversation. This can carry in for as long as you want really but of course, in order to move the game along and not exclude others it's best not to get into too many of these situations where it's just one or two characters.

When we get to the point of taking action and making rolls, you can make use of coloured text and the die roller.

Generally, I like to use orange text with an (OOC) section at the end of my post with the proposed action in the brackets followed by the result of the dice roll. Something like this:

(OOC: Slow Action - Melee Attack Vs orc 20:40, Today: Narrator rolled 1 success using 6d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 ((3,6,1,1,1,2)).)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Tue 26 May 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 30):

Lothar is heading to the village as well, looking to sell some of his recently acquired "goods" and hoping this next town has someone in it who can pay propper coin and not another shopkeep who only barters in livestock. I imagine his first stop would be the local tavern to ask around. I can have him wait there for the rest of the group or maybe we bump into each other outside of town on the way in?

Brevis, Cailie and Harinder are just on the edge of the village at the moment. I'd suggest Lothar bumps into them there.

Also, probably a good place for Eins to encounter everyone else too..

There is an inn of sorts there too though.

Ill wait for everyone else to introduce before I post again.

My patience is burning low.

Is there any other character in Runething? Perhaps one of the escaped slaves who reoccuppied the place with Harinder some thirty years back? If not, Ill create one NPC if thats accepted.

How about @Lothar?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Fri 29 May 2020.

Lothar is there, but feel free to interact with any NPC that would reasonably be in a small village..

Once I have an introduction from Eins as well I will move things on.

I wrote a short story on Harinder's story so far. Im thinking I could take the end of it and use here, introducing the NPC.

https://drive.google.com/file/...Eby/view?usp=sharing

I wrote this months ago, and took all the info used so far, from it. The NPC then is Brander, also known as the Killer in his youth. He basically founded the new Runething and was the first slaveboy to arrive there. I will post the end of this story where this fit in.

Could there be some more connection between the character s other than two being brothers and they happen to be in the same village. Perhsps the spring games and bow and arrow tournament can be a good reason for visiting, either way.

Dave, feel free to control my NPC Brander. I have a complete char sheet for him, so he can serve as an alt char. Also gives him some more meat on the bones.

Certainly a gathering at the village could be some reason for others to come and seek it out, yes.

Would be a more believeable reason than 'i was just passing by' in these times.

Cool. I'll check out his sheet on my phone (using my work's laptop at the moment and I can't get on Google Drive) and we can have him crop up from time to time.

In reply to Harinder (msg # 38):

I think Brevis has been living in the village for quite some time already, Caile has come there in search of him.

They aren't brothers by blood, but by circumstance. They grew up on the same streets, in the same alleyways. They both belonged to the same group of street urchins, the Ghost Children, a name given to them by the society that left them out to die. A name taken and embraced by the Childer themselves as a badge of honor and proof of their undying will to exist.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong, Neil) that most of the Ghost Children tried to flee from our township when the Rust Brothers came and started conscripting soldiers. Some died, some were conscripted and some managed to escape into the harsh wilderness of the Forbidden Lands. And thus we were separated. Caile has spent a long time searching for his "family" and so far Brevis is the only one he has found. Alive and free, that is.

In reply to Caile (msg # 40):

Exactly, Brevis and Caile have a fraternal bond as Ghost Children.  The rise of the Rust Brothers scattered the children (who were able to escape) from their group and many have not been able to reconnect.  As such, the fracturing of the Childer has forced them further underground and out of the public domain.

I'd imagined Brevis has been in the Runething area for a year or so, though he's mostly kept to himself on the periphery.

Sounds like they would eaily connect with those of the villagers like Brander, who are the older generation and came as refugees and orphans. They all wear Trident symbols. Most on their arms or hands, but Harinder and Brander got it on the cheek. Harinder is in his 50s and Brandrr his 40s. The other first generation are then recogniseable and similar age (the first refugees were 10 - 20 yo and came some 30 years back.

Have the others come for the Games then? Could be competitions innother than bow and arrow. Riding, for example, or staff fighting.

--

One thing confused me about the last post - isnt the red mist gone? Up to GM.

Red mist has been gone mostly for about 5 years but there are still occasional pockets of it that appear from time to time

In reply to Harinder (msg # 42):

Remember that Caile is a minstrel and likely to embellish and exaggerate ;)

Not to be negative, but to me these games feel maybe a bit too frivolous in the harsh and unforgiving Ravenlands. But if everyone else is on board it works for me too.

I've sent messages to Eins on PM, rMail and on the forums where he asked if there was space in the game..if I don't get a reply overnight I'm going to post in the game and Eins can always catch up later.

I've gotten on the IC now. I'll try to get on once a day from now on.

It'll probably be a character thing that Eins is very out of touch with what's been happening in the world, since I'm very new to the Forbidden Lands game. It works character-wise to since he's been participating in one war or another most of his life, and never really asked questions about who, where, or why he was fighting.

No worries. I just didn't want you to get left behind.

I'll post tomorrow, but feel free to head to the Travellers Rest, the village tavern

In reply to Eins Heold (msg # 46):

Nice to see you back, let's get this show on the road! :)

P.S. If it's alright by you, Eins, please refrain from putting words into my character's mouth. What you wrote is alright and definitely fits into his character, but I prefer to write my own lines. The first post with Caile, Brevis and Harinder was copy/pasted from our Messenger group chat. D.S.

Okay, next post is up. As is image of village. But this may be replaced soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:53, Sun 31 May 2020.

Do we play with the rules that you get XP after a session, where you have used your pride and your dark secret? Begs the question how long a session is. I vote for yes, and that GM decides when a session starts. To make it easier for GM to track this, we should mention when we wrote a post and "used" our secret. Using pride should be clear enough.

Perhaps this can all be simplified. For example, GM triggers the secrets now and then in his own posts, and reward XP with it. I think the Pride should still be attempted by the player, although GM has last say if the use was valid.

Thoughts?

In reply to Harinder (msg # 52):

I don't really enjoy "gameifying" the use of Pride and Dark Secret to be some sort of XP-generators. In my opinion they should only be used when it makes sense in the narrative and not shoe-horned in just to gather XP. Furthermore, while Pride is for us players to activate, the Dark Secret should ever only be "activated" by the GM, never by the players, as a means of upping the stakes or to introduce complications that the players must overcome. Players can bring their Dark Secrets into play, but only for narrative reasons.

As for gaining XP, I'll leave that completely to the GM.

My two cents.

They are already XP generators in the FL rules. It's not my idea. But I agree, up to GM to decide how it should play here.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Mon 01 June 2020.

I'm considering the options...

It could be that XP is given at the end of a particular event (for example, surviving an adventure site), or after a particular length of time has passed in-game.

I think I will see once we've had a journey and explored some..

In reply to Narrator (msg # 55):

... but not using the rules on pride and secret?Those have no game effect?

Sorry, yes. We will definitely be using them.

I'll just have to consider how long a "session" is both for XP and other relevant rules.

I know they are, but to me it feels like a bad attempt at encouraging your players to role-play, forcing them to play their character's pride any chance they get, for fear of otherwise missing out on XP that session. Some may like it, I don't.

Maybe a weekly/bi-weekly distribution of XP could work? To emulate sessions played?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Tue 02 June 2020.

You have a point! But its same thing with traveling a hex - you feel forced to do it to fulfill the requirements of lowest XP. I should be able to think of a fix, being a part time game designer and all ...


Proposal:

--
XP per session
XP is given for a session where you been active, deemed by GM (not based on "checkboxes"). GM decides length of the session and give 5XP for every active player. You need to role-play to some degree (not specifically about your secret or pride).

Pride with artifact roll rules stay the same, except in regards to XP.

This way, GM only has to keep track on players being active and players have to roleplay but don't have to use pride every session, travel, use dark secret, etc just to get XP.

Bonus XP
I also think there should be a gamey reward and a roleplay one per session. GM can reward a player character with 1 point bonus XP for Roleplay or Critical Hit.

+1 Roleplay XP - the player have played their character well in a memorable way.

+1 Critical Hit XP - At least one skill was used and succeeded exceptionally during the session. Based on die-rolled results.

There is also the original rules on new skills that can be learnt if they were succeeded, which GM and/or player has to keep track on (its included in the gsheet).

--

I'll post tomorrow, following up on Harinder's conversation with Brander and perhaps some song & story from our minstrel.

Okay, so as discussed, we can skip a little time until the evening and have some (more) ale and song...

Jazz flute?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 62):

Acoustic Keytar?

Great post! e got a Legend.

I didnt know the Ghost Children were the same as Harinders group of slaves from his youth. How does this all fit together, now? I think it should, dont get me wrong, I am just missing information. Harinder and Brander escaped the Trident clan some 30 years back.

Yeah, I thought the intention was that the ghost children were those captured by the raiders and then escaped with most of them making homes in Runething? Or I may have misread that intention too..

I think we have two separate groups of unfortunates. The slaves who together with Harinder escaped the Tridents were the ones to found Runething some 30 years ago. The Ghost Children was a collective of urchins in a yet unnamed township south of Alderstone. They ran the streets as beggars and thieves until the Rust Church came to their town, claimed it as an outpost of the Rust Brothers and started conscripting its citizens. Many were killed, some were conscripted and a lucky few escaped. As far as we know, Brevis and Caile are the only ones to have eventually made their way to Runething. They haven't seen each other in almost 20 years.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Fri 05 June 2020.

That's okay, we can still potentially use the  ghost children as a hook along with the slaves..

In reply to Narrator (msg # 67):

I also had imagined them starting out separately as mentioned, but for our story that is probably ending up a more interesting way to go.  There's definitely a nice story line in joining the two.

I think we concluded the Childers and slaves of the Tridents are not the same. Thus the GM post is confusing. I think it should be either corrected or we change the backstories ...?

Apologies, I'll amend my post to make the distinction between the two groups.

Okay, so I've updated Brander's speech to speak only of the slaves, he and Harinder.

Should we discuss out of character what to do? May speed things up since it take some effort to write posts in character. I think we are at a point where our characters should decide to do what GM has presented. I also took some control of Brander to suggest a third option (sorry if I was GMing too much there).

The way I see it, we have 3 options (or you can all suggest more):

1. Delay, prepare. Stay in Runething for awhile, see if we can recruit npcs in the village. Perhaps some more assets, such as horses. We prob need coin, buy what we can, or even hire npcs.

2. Rush to the slavers village. Get there asap (as far as I can tell, we dont have any time constraint. And we don't have mounts! Going all the way across or around Arina forest is long. Is the village south or west of the forest?).

3. Wailer's Hold. Go to the ruins where there may be more former slaves to recur it. It's closer on the map. Perhaps we could even make a Settlement of it in the long run. We don't know if whoever inhabit the ruins is hostile or friendly, though (we could scout before going in).

I vote 1, as long as we don't have some time pressure.

--

I also think there should be some more motivation for the non-slave characters to come along. If you can get paid, for example.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:32, Mon 08 June 2020.

I'm trying to update the game map to show the position of Grindbone, which is "T 33" on the coordinates.. but each time I add anything to the jpeg, it takes it over the size limit on the maps..

I might just add a thread with the map imported instead..

Just as a side note, Eins Heold, Grindbone etc is to the south of Runething...

Harinder, no worries at all.

The most direct route, skirting around the edge of the Arina Forest is 9 hexes (so 90 km). With that route you'll need to find somewhere to cross The Wash. Alternatively, you could go through the forest without needing to cross the river, the same distance.

To Wailer's Hold, it is 8 (80 km) hexes across the Moldena Plains, again crossing The Wash at some point.

Or we can just be fine with the written vague description where it is. I prefer it, personally.
(Makes me think of Quest sin MMORPGs - how much more interesting quests were in WoW or Everquest before it, before they added exact locations on the maps)

Ah I read it as if Wailer's Hold was at the northern edge of Moldena, so close to Runething, and "the other side of the Arina forest" would make Grindbone on the eastern side of the forest, maybe south-east.

Perhaps Brander can show a map!

This message was last edited by the player at 11:47, Tue 09 June 2020.

I have added a thread RAVENLANDS MAP, which is based off Brander's knowledge and the many rumours and legends you will collect over your adventures... Now, these are of course not as accurate as Google Maps these days, but they are based on what you have been told.

Until you actually visit a place, it could be that they are not totally correct.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:45, Tue 09 June 2020.

I was also wondering, if/when you get into combat, does anyone have any preferences on any maps or other visual aids being used, or are we all happy with 'theatre of the mind' when it comes to combat?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 79):

Ok with either.  I've recently started using Inkarnate for mapping towns and regions as well as Dungeondraft for mapping building interiors.  If you like that kind of thing I'd be happy to make stuff for this game.  I'm pretty new to these two programs, so be forewarned :)

In reply to Brevis (msg # 80):

I also have those editors both :) Also new, but they are not hard to use. Time consuming for sure.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:36, Thu 11 June 2020.

Theatre of the mind is fine by me :)

All who wish to make an attempt at helping to repair the wall, make a roll for Crafting. Those of us who have tried have failed miserably ×D

In reply to Caile (msg # 83):


17:10, Today: Lothar rolled 1 success using 4d6 with the Target Number system with a target of 6 ((4,5,6,5)).

I'll update tomorrow. We can see how good your wall building skills were and see where you go from here..

Are the dwarf and halfling gonna roll some dice on crafting?

In reply to Harinder (msg # 86):

Only the dwarf left. The halfling got one success.

Perhaps best if rolls are written in the game thread, and the player writes down the action somehow - describes what is attempted.

Unless it would look too messy, I tend to put any rolls in a Spoiler in orange at the end of my posts.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 89):

that sounds good, i'll use spoiler text for rolls in future

Hello? Where did everyone go?

Hmmm, I'm sure they'll be back soon..

Did Eins ever make a crafting roll for repairing the wall?

In reply to Caile (msg # 93):

Brevis is basically just wanting to talk to Eins about being the point man with the Roka and maybe bringing some kind of gift.  After that, he's good to hit the road.

Any other business people want to get done in Runething?

If people are really ready to move on, then I'm all for it.

I'll wait until Eins and Caile have discussed the orcs, then we can make some rolls in preparation for the first Journey of the game... :)

Can you remind me where we concluded on going first? To the arina forest looking for orc allies?
Or the ruins in the south east?

In reply to Harinder (msg # 96):

I believe the intention is to head to the cave at the edge of the Arina Forest on the way to Grindbone.

Of course, anyone can correct me if I'm wrong.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 97):

This is what Brevis intends to do upon leaving Runething

So what extra gear and provisions should we try to get? Perhaps some vendor NPC could be introduced, or we just ask BRander for stuff

There are a number of folk with wares to sell...

There is a smith named Durant (human), a tanner/trapper (Hargen) and a 'general' store owned by (Orla). They stock most things from the trade goods section of the book. The smith has weapons and armour too.

If anyone wants to visit any of them just put in an I.C. post. If you want something Uncommon or Rare then let me know and I can roll for availability.. You can ask for things to be made and it will take the times listed in the book for their construction.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 100):

Brevis isn't able to carry anything else nor does he have any money.  Unless there is something very specific we'd need as a group, he doesn't have any business to conduct.

Caile just needs to refill his waterskin from the town well and stuff his backpack full of loaves of bread (or buy field rations, if the bread can't be used to increase the resource die for food), then he's good to go. A small tent would be nice, of course, but he can make do without. Besides, a small tent is 2 silver, and then he would only have 8 copper left =D

Hey all! I should have brought this up sooner but didn't, my bad... Anyhoo I want to say that if there are stretches where I am not active that is because I am rather busy with work. Spring/summer is just nuts for me. If there is anytime I am holding something up feel free to reach out to me direct on Facebook or if it is something routine you all have my express permission to post/roll on my behalf. Stay safe and for the love of Flow be kind(it's not that hard).

Are there loafs of bread left? If so, how much (how many dice / units) can we fill up our backpacks with? Im assuming bread is the only free stuff we have.

Lets post ingame what we buy, or it didnt happen, I say.

You can each add an extra unit of Food Resource and top up to D12 in Water.

If you need anything else, post IC and see if you can afford anything ;)

I was wondering.... I've been working on a homebrew RPG setting for some time now, and originally I'd planned for it to be based on the D&D 5e system.. However, now that I've had FbL for a while I can see the versatility and simplicity of the system fitting in with my world better than D&D... It's a mix of both established cities and nations and a larger expanse of wilderness with ancient ruins to explore.

I was wondering if any of you would like to work on this, with a view to publishing it at some point either under the Free League Workshop or via the Fria Ligan OGL?

Let me know if you're interested.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 106):

Sounds very interesting. Im freelancing as game / level designer and have less job sometimes, where I could invest some time if it makes for a few coins in sales.

What sets your homebrew apart?

Hmm, well.. it's called Chronicles of Ashkara.

It's set around 1500 years after an event known as the Great Cataclysm sundered the world and caused whole continents to sink and new ones to form. Ancient Elder civilizations were scattered across the world, new races appeared and new kingdoms were built on the foundations of dead ones.

Humans cultures are varied and vie for power while the elder races of dwarves and elves are rare, but an ancient and (to the present day humans) unknown enemy forces the human nations to seek an alliance with the other races or be destroyed.

There's more to it than that, but the ancient undying Gralth are the main enemy that threatens the human civilisations.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 108):

Sounds cool =)

Discord server:

https://discord.gg/GBgKCJ

Oh sorry guys, I haven't been checking this chat much. I can make a crafting roll.
Forgot to write in the reason, but the 2 successes are to repair
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Sat 11 July 2020.

How do you roll in chat?

In reply to Eins Heold (msg # 112):

There is a box to select "Record Each Die" in the dice roller tab.  That logs it in the text box below the roll settings.  So it records it there and you can then copy paste into Runething chat or wherever to make it easy to find with reference still in dice roller.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sat 11 July 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 108):

Sounds interresting. The elder race, then is something that sets it apart from normal FBL. What do you imagine the rpg book to contain? Lore, history, races and classes?

Harinder agreed with Lothar to attempt at stealing from a Dukes tent some armor. Do GM want to specify the challenge, the specifics of armors and what Lothar should roll for?

What have i missed here?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 116):

I got the idea that Harinder would use the halfling to steal gear, because he is convinced battle gear is needed to face the orcs in any manner. Jonathan agreed this is fine for Lothar, so I am taking control. Basically Lothar will attempt stealing and Im wondering what I roll for, and the specifics of whats there to steal?

Whats with this cave? Is it something there which is already specified, or is it just the idea that it would provide shelter over the night?

Okay, so I'd say there a couple (2) of suits of leather armour, 1 studded leather along with (3) leather caps...

Lothar would first need a Stealth roll (opposed by anyone nearby) to sneak into the tent and assuming there's nobody inside, another Stealth roll to get out unnoticed.

Each item is going to have it's encumbrance value that Lothar would need to be able to carry if he's going to steal them.




There is a cave on the map on the edge of the Arina forest en-route to Grindbone, just around 20 km south of Runething. Brander has mentioned it is in orc lands, so the assumption has been made that there will be orcs there you can talk to.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 119):

Ok thanks :) I roll for Lothars attempts in an updated message. If the first roll fails, we can determine here what happens, and then Ill update the post with that. And repeat for the next roll.

Sure. Go for it.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 121):


I rolled two successes. Is there an opposing roll? Lothar believed there was no one nearby when sneaking in.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:55, Thu 16 July 2020.

There is nobody he can see at the moment. I'm guessing he would have picked his moment carefully.

Apologies for my lack of posting, I'll be busy until Friday.. I'll move things on then.

I'm just going to hang on a few days for Eins, Harinder and Lothar.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 125):

What did Lothar make off with from the tent?

In reply to Lothar (msg # 126):

He got 2 studded leather and 2 leather caps. Both human sized of course..

In reply to Narrator (msg # 127):

Some simple modifications shouldn't require any extra talents should they? If it's a matter of trimming down the waistline and the sleeves should be easily done? Wouldn't want to bring it to anyone local seeing as they are hot.

In reply to Lothar (msg # 128):

Granted wouldn't be pretty, but serviceable in the short term(pun intended), Lothar is currently without armor. Maybe at some point we'll come across someone who might be able to shore up where he trimms it. The other set will go to whoever else needs it.

I guess for that purpose a knife would do the trick.. Ideally a proper sewing kit/needle & thread to make it look tidy, but for now a Quarter day's work would modify it suitably.

Sorry I was away for a bit. Went camping with the family, I'm back now for a bit, but might disappear again sometime next week. If you need to you can just assume he acts dwarflike.

So here's the thing, I have found myself with less and less time to devote to this endeavor and would hate to leave you all hanging... I would have no issue with handing Lothar over to one of you, I think that is a thing one can do right? I have enjoyed the times we have spent thus far and please do not think this a reflection on you as players, your enthusiasm and creativity has been amazing, thank you all for that! I'll try and check this over the next few days to see what you all would like me to do with this character. Thanks again for letting me participate in this world with you all! I wish you all good adventuring and may your swords drip with the blood of your foes and your pockets grow full with gold...

Okay, so I see a couple of options with Lothar. One being to say he lagged behind the rest of the group and simply disappeared, which is a bit pants. Two, is that he lagged behind and got accosted by the angry owner of the leathers that he stole, and now has been taken back to Runething, which again isn't the best but it puts him somewhere he'd be encountered again.

Option Three would be to have him under my control. This is one of the more useful options, but I'm not 100% sure I want to control another PC given that I've just potentially added 2 NPCs to the group.

Option Four would be to give Lothar to another player, but with all due respect to everyone, I'm not happy with that option personally, as it gives too much temptation to just use him as a gofer or a way to just have a disposable human (or halfling in this case) meat shield.

So, what do we think?

Let me know which option (1-4) you prefer, or if you have another suggestion, let me know.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 133):

Our party is large enough that we can endure the loss of a member.  No hard feelings, best of luck, part and parcel for the hobby.

If you want to recruit someone to pick up a ready made PC in a ready to go campaign, i'd welcome them.  Perhaps one of us already knows someone who'd be willing to play him.  Otherwise, I'd vote for no double dipping on part of DM or players.

Or option five: The little shit clobbered Eins while the rest of us were distracted by the elf and the orc and is now hauling ass to his true masters in Grindbone to warn them of our plans? Would be a great opportunity for a hunt :)

I love that! My vote goes on Lothar becomes an NPC to be used as GM see fit.

In reply to Harinder (msg # 136):

+1

I guess that's decided then ;)

I'm on a mini-road trip with the family until Wednesday. I'll not have much time to reply properly while I'm away.

You've got two new allies, who I will be rolling for once I've given them stats...

This encounter took place on the plains, before you got to the cave at the edge of the forest, so I'm not sure if you still want to head there or just go straight down to Grindbone?

Let me know what you want to do and I'll see what Alachran, Eins and Heldemin have to say about your plans.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 139):

With the elf and orc on our side, Brevis is strongly inclined to head straight to Grindbone

Yeah, I think that we could at least make a reconnaissance run. Besides, we have to track down Lothar. If he's headed to Grindbone we'll want to stop him before he gets there, or at least get there ahead of him.

I think we need a story for Lothar. Why did he do as he did, or rather, why do we believe he is heading to Grindbone?

In reply to Harinder (msg # 142):

If hes an opportunistic backstabber, could be logical conclusion hed try and leverage his knowledge of our plans and dash to Grindbone in order to sell us out
This message was last edited by the player at 20:59, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

I think there need to be some planted evidence of this. It's not a logical conclusion- it's a logical gap. A logical conclusion would be he was just looking for something of value to steal, and figured we were not going to lead him anywhere closer to that.

I suggest Eins was speaking to someone from Wailer's Hold, back at Runething. A freed slave, probably, and that former slave recognized Lothar as a lackey of the slavers, but he needs to voice that before Caile's conclusion
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

In reply to Harinder (msg # 144):

It's a stretch, agreed, but at this point Brevis is likely so eager and driven that he's apt to flights of cognitive dissonance.  At least, that's how I intend to play him until his mind is changed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

More of a stretch than an actual duke and his squires visiting a tournament held by former slaves near their dilapidated cesspit of a village? Asking for a friend =D

I haven't been on for a week or so, sorry about that. It might be hard for me to continue checking this in the future, so I'm probably going to have duck out. If you want to, you can make Eins an NPC, but otherwise he could leave by chasing after Lothar. He's kind of one to hold a grudge.

In reply to Caile (msg # 146):

I agree! Could be the duke and squires are not much better themselves. Lets not turn this into pie throwing :)

Okay, I'll see about Eins heading off in pursuit of Lothar. Sorry to loose you.

I'll be largely offline until Monday, kids go back to school tomorrow and we've just got two kittens.

Found some random guy in an FbL-group on Facebook who was interested in joining our PbP. Do we want "reinforcement"?

Could do with someone really, yes. Down to three PCs and technically four NPCs...

So I'd like everyone to welcome Eyrar to the group, I will be introducing his character to the game very shortly.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 152):

Hello everyone! I so much look forward to joining this game and group! :-)

Heya, Eyrar! Welcome! We're dysfunctional, but in a fun way =D
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

I have a plan...

I'll post tomorrow morning (UK time) when I'm able to get to my computer.. rather than my phone, which is awful for typing more than a line or two.

Got a couple of ideas I'm discussing regarding our new player and his introduction.

Perfect timing, welcome Eyrar

Small edit to last post - if everyone is ready we can move on to Eyar's camp?

Oh, also, everyone make a roll for Water and Food for today..

In reply to Narrator (msg # 157):

i'm ready for Eyrar's camp, in which thread should we post the food and water rolls?

If everyone makes a short post about the journey (which will be uneventful) to his camp and post the rolls there In (OOC:)

Sorry everyone, I know I've been lax lately. I promise I'll get my shit together and post something meaningful soon.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 160):

It's going to get cold, wet and then snowy here quite soon.  Very conducive to RPOL.  Hope all you are doing well.

In reply to Brevis (msg # 161):

Hej everyone!
I hope you are well. I was just wondering if we want to give this adventure som TLC? I have been enjoying it a lot! :-)

I'll post tomorrow-ish...

I might see if I can get a couple of people to take over the NPCs..

Might have a player to take over one of the NPCs..

Okay, I have one new player, possibly two.

Hopefully will be able to get them up to speed and in the game soon. Thanks for your patience everyone.

Hi all

Just wanted jump in quickly and introduce myself I'll be playing Alachran the orc :)

In reply to Alachran (msg # 166):

Hello!  Before we talk about our current mission, may I ask if you have any qualms regarding fratricide?

In reply to Brevis (msg # 167):

no problems there's been a few times over the years my brother nearly didn't make it to his next birthday lol

but seriously no issues as long as it is used to define a character or push the game forward without being overtly in your face of course.

In reply to Alachran (msg # 168):

"We're going on an Orc hunt, we're going on an Orc hunt.  Gonna catch a big one, gonna catch a big one"

Just joking around since I wasn't sure how much of the backstory you've been able to read.
 We're welcoming you to the group as an orc on an orc hunt!  Slavers have been treating kin of Caile and myself not so nicely.  We're the cavalry on a mission to bring justice in an unjust situation.

So, we should have both our new players now, Helemin and Alachran...

If anyone has any questions on backstory, events of the game or mechanics, just post them here or in a PM and I'm sure we can help get you two into the game quickly.

In reply to Alachran (msg # 166):

Hello Alachran, great to have you onboard! I just recently joined the team. I know Heldemin  from before and I have been a captive the people in Grindbone.

Hi all, and a big welcome to Heldemin and Alachran! Nice to have you with us :) I've been a bit busy lately, Christmas season is stressful for us postal workers ;) Will try to be more active and get some more posts up in the future. If I'm inactive, just assume that Caile is doing bardy stuff, singing songs, telling stories, wailing ballads, etc.

Hi guys.

It's probably going to take me a little while to get my bearings and make sure I'm caught up on everything, but I'm excited to see where this goes.

In reply to Heldemin (msg # 173):

Hello Heldemin, good to meet you! Let us go to Grindbone and wreak havoc on their retched souls!

How are we all doing?

Anyone (mainly our two newcomers) got any questions? If not, I can get things moving again in the next day or two.

Nothing needed from me I'll try to get a first post up this evening

Are there any hard rules in place about writing style/format beyond those in the rules thread?

I'm asking because, despite my best efforts, I'm having a really hard time getting started here. I genuinely think I might have only written one other game in present tense on this site in my whole time here, and I'm so accustomed to my usual writing style that changing things up like this is kinda breaking my brain. It's a little like I'm trying to translate things into a foreign language.

In reply to Heldemin (msg # 177):

I’m just trying to paint a picture, then I usually say something and throw in dice roll of needed be. Then I leave the scene open for everyone to write something. GM games it from there. Just throw yoursef in there. :-)

In reply to Heldemin (msg # 177):

Yeah, just go with whatever style suits you best.. It's up to me to do all the interpreting..

In reply to Heldemin (msg # 177):

In general, we've been putting dice rolls in red at bottom of posts.  Otherwise, I've been trying to separate descriptions and dialog with italics and standard.

In reply to Brevis (msg # 180):

I actually find that annoying and used a standard " or ' for dialogue. Italics are annoying to read and only useful for special words, imo

But I think its fine different standards are in different posts.

Oh, and we do orange color on dice rolls when its in the IC post.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Fri 15 Jan 2021.

In reply to Harinder (msg # 181):

I hear what you're saying, the tradeoff for me is that when I go back and scan for something it's a lot easier for me to separate exposition and dialog.

Okay,

Before we get into more sustained action, can I just get a show of hands from people still playing?

I know Heldemin's player left a while ago without posting so I'm NPCing them right now.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 183):

I am still here

Here! Just a bit busy with working, moving, renovating and taking care of the baby.

LOL.. got your hands full there Caile..

In reply to Narrator (msg # 186):

I’m still here.

Still here

Just waiting on our orc, then I'll get us on the way again..

Harinder, do you want to go foraging for water?

apologies for the delay work has been hectic and yesterday had to arrange for the whole family to have a covid test......not that we have it just the area we live in in London has a high number of cases with the south african variant and the area has been targeted for mass community testing

No need to apologise.

Just wanted to make sure how many players we still had.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 189):

Skipping this time, thanks. No ned to delay the group since I wont post soon

Did someone ask for access to the https://docs.google.com/spread...TtmGSTzW2biQo3Y-6TwU
character sheet?

I made Dave owner.

In reply to Harinder (msg # 193):

Yes, that was me.  Thanks!

In reply to Brevis (msg # 194):

I'm going to push up until I'm just close enough to see what's going on.  Let me know if you'd like me to make any kind of roll.

In reply to Brevis (msg # 195):

Stealth rolls please, from anyone going to investigate the other 'group'... Just the one each, no helping though.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 196):

i had to request access to the character sheet excel as ownership transferred, i'll do the stealth roll once I get back in there.  if you don't see the request, please let me know

In reply to Brevis (msg # 197):

got it, thanks, failed roll posted

In reply to Brevis (msg # 198):

You not want to Push?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 199):

You talked me into it.  Failed again, but got a willpower.  I have view only access to the character sheet, will update once I have permission.

Sorry, I'll get that updated.

Sorry this do this, but I can't keep this game going.

I'm struggling with a lot of things at the moment and can't give this the time it deserves. I'm going to be taking an extended time off the site. I may or may not return.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 202):

GG, take care and be well!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 202):

No worries! Take care!