OOC Chat

[BigRedRod]

oh and just so we are clear, going off road will make things quite hard going for the horses and ponies. So I'll need to know what you will be doing with those too

[BigRedRod]

I need a marching order for you so I know who falls in what pit. I mean ... err ...
But yes, I need to know which order you are riding in

Oh and can everyone make sure they have levelled using the xp found in the last post of the previous chapter? Should anything tragic happen and you aren't up to date you'll be at a disadvantage

[The Alcotroll]

Well I've just maxed out my open lock skill, so the next time we encounter a door, we should have a better chance of bypassing it without relying on Roth's muscles.

[SuperJosh]

BRR: how far are we from the farmers house? The one that gave us the food.

[BigRedRod]

IIRC Gran Arco to Luca's house is an hour

The forest starts not so far away from the town, about a twenty minute ride.

As the town journeys are roughly perpendicular I can estimate that it would take just over an hour at riding speed from the edge of the wood to the farmer's house and the baked goods within

[BigRedRod]

I'll post ASAP
I've just been snowed under with RL obligations and work for the past week

I think things clear up after lectures tomorrow.

(I assume it is me to post IC but I've not had time to check.)

[BigRedRod]

I wasn't lying about needing a matching order

and Roth / Dron need to remove cash equal to PHB horse stabling prices from their sheets

[Black Plauge]

Suggested Marching order: Tigris Algedar Dorn Durn Roth

[BigRedRod]

Well I'll take all that silence as agreement

A quick glance at the sheets reveals that only Durn seems to be level 4
I'm quite sure all had enough xp to reach that level and I'm sure you are aware of my "too slow old man" policy on levelling

Those who haven't, I'd get going on it or you are about to struggle more than you need to

[SuperJosh]

How long did we have to pay in advance? For the horses that is.

[SuperJosh]

1st: I went ahead and subtracted 1 PP from Roth's hoard for the horses.

2nd: DO NOT LET ME FORGET TO GET A BOW AND ARROWS NEXT TIME WE ARE IN TOWN!!!

3rd: I forgot how you do HPs when we level up, so I used ironygames email server.

4th Level up changes:
Level: +1 fighter
HP: +9+Con=12
BAB: +1
Saves: +1 con
Attributes: +1 Str
Feats: Weapon Spec. (falchion)
Skills: +1 handel animal, +.5 intimidate, +1 ride

[BigRedRod]

I forgot how you do HPs when we level up, so I used ironygames email server.
I usually just trust you to roll your own. But this works too

How long did we have to pay in advance? For the horses that is.
I'd overlooked that. Say a day up front and making up any difference on your return

[Black Plauge]

Technically my ready trigger was the party being attacked, not the appearence of the snake-things, but whatever.

[The Alcotroll]

Looks like Tim got bored of the game...

[BigRedRod]

What are you talking about Willis?

[The Alcotroll]

The giant snakes that are about to eat or poison us all.

[BigRedRod]

Ah you are just moaning about nothing, gotya :)

[The Alcotroll]

You should be used to that by now Timbo.

[BigRedRod]

and you're up there BP

[Black Plauge]

Readying Melf's Acid Arrow this time.

[BigRedRod]

Hmm
I've poked Gaz but I'll him tomorow if I Don't hear from him

[BigRedRod]

Sorry about the long wait that time. I'll NPC Algerdar for the rest of this combat while we wait to hear from Gaz

[The Alcotroll]

This bloke Tigris. We got properly ripped off with him.

[BigRedRod]

You hired him to fight snake monsters?

[BigRedRod]

c'mon Josh and BP. Posty Posty. If I don't hear from gaz soon his character might have an unfortunate snake accident

As befits the law that those who don't post make the best targets

[Black Plauge]

Opps, sorry. Before I post though, what time of day is it? If its still early Durn'll try and conserve spells and switch to a more mundane weapon (which seem to be working fairly well), while if its later in the day he'd be more inclined to use another spell (which he'd be more effective with).

[BigRedRod]

well with all the faffing about concerning the horses it is now early to mid afternoon

[BigRedRod]

oh and I'm not being lazy. I'm waiting to have a chat with Gaz before I post

[Black Plauge]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it take 2 move-equivalent actions to draw and load a crossbow, making it impossible for Durn to have fired this round?

[BigRedRod]

ah
bugger,
I manage to neglect the loading

I'll go edit

Also :
Recently I've been pondering how to better include the characters in the plot. So that who you are actually matters to what is going on. To help me out I was wondering if you lot wouldn't mind filling in little questionaires and then emailing me with responses that I Can file away and hopefully use to reshape my current polt ideas. I'll get working on some questions, but if anyone has any thoughts or concerns at the moment then lemme know

[BigRedRod]

Ok, we're waiting for BP to post in the combat then I'll hopefully be able to end the combat and continue your woodland adventure

*Drumroll*

I've stolen and modified -J-'s questions from his Eberron game. Some of the material you will have covered in the backgrounds you have already presented, try not to contradict yourselves but add to your stories and try to provide me with at least a few potential plot hooks that I can work in to future plot development
When you are done, send the answers in an email to ts2584@bris.ac.uk (ts2584@bris.ac.uk)
Browse through the threads on world info for the limited info I've presented on the world but feel free to push the boat out and be creative
I understand this may be slightly more tricky for Craig as you haven't always had control of the character and Dust may have said things which you don't know about Dron, I want to see the current vision of him, your vision
The same would apply to Gaz

Character Questionnaire



Who were your parents? What was their profession and position in society?

Do you have any familial traditions/legacies/curses/enemies/allies/patrons? If so what/who?


Where were you born?


Did any childhood events shape your personality?


Do you have any childhood friends/Mentors that you still see/keep in touch with?


Did you have any childhood crushes/relationships? If so how did it/they end? Did you part as friends?


Who are your heroes?


Does your character have a code of conduct? If so summarize your personal ethics.


What sort of things motivate you now? How does your loyalty to the Emperor compare with this?


What were your motivations in your youth?


Have you had any recent changes in faith/way you look at the world? If so what? How did it/they affect you?


Describe your adolescence.


Has your character had any hands on experience with Dragoons in the past? If so describe


Anything else you think is important to know about your character.

[Black Plauge]

Hey, I had a redied action with a ranged weapon. I should be able to get his shot off.

[BigRedRod]

I've been treating it as a reflex save to actually make an attack so far. With the snakes appearing from anywhere it seemed a little broken to negate the suprise aspect of the leap.

Durn didn't roll high enough today and failed to react in time to the snake's appearance

It may be a little harsh, but it seemed wrong to simply allow you to ready actions and attack an unseen target

[Black Plauge]

If the snake was poping up and then down again, I'd probably agree with you. However, seeing as it poped out and stayed out (after eating Algedar) I respectfully disagree. I could see the ready action going off after the snakes attack (as opposed to before), but not being denied all together.

[BigRedRod]

hmmmmm
You actually make a very good point

As much as I usually prefer to stick with a single method I Don't think I denied any other attacks. I'll edit in your attack

[SuperJosh]

Well it has been a while since I have seen a map so I am going to assume I meet the prereqs to charge. If I do not then I will just move and attack with NO power attacking.

[BigRedRod]

Maps are in the location location location thread
They've been there all along. I made an OOC comment about it and everything. The idea was to save space from huge maps and keep things easilt accessible for the future

[SuperJosh]

Yea, but I am unliterate.:(

[SuperJosh]

Well, by my understanding of the rules and the map I have just enough room to preform my chosen action. B.o.o.Y.a.a.

[BigRedRod]

*Watches a tumbleweed roll by*

[Black Plauge]

Yeah, I was just realizing that last night as I was headed to bed.

[BigRedRod]

As it is rapidly approaching the big day, I expect that everyone is as busy as me. However, I'm also busy afterwards with once again tootling off to Japan. Then I have exams. I'll be back in early January, then busy for a few days of apin. Then I'll finally free around the 8th or 9th (in theory, I get the feeling I have a project due, but as we all know projects can only be done in the early hours of the morning before they need presenting)

So I'm around in an ifft fashion till boxing day, then I'm just plain gone unless I happen to get free time I don't use for revision (and frankly with my loathing for revision any free time with an internet connection will most likely be spent on the intraweb)

Happy Holidays Kids. And may an overweight gentleman break in to your house and leave you something exciting

[Black Plauge]

Yeah, my holidays are kind of busy. A fact complicated by the recent death of my grandfather. So, basically I'm playing it by ear at the moment. Things should get back to normal fairly soon (I hope).

[SuperJosh]

I am completely and utterly nonbusy, since I do not have to work until the 2nd of Januararyryy...ites.

I will drop a post or 2 in just as an attempt to make you feel bad. And I will relish is the glory of having nothing to do.

[BigRedRod]

If everyone could have the questions (http://online-roleplaying.com/forums/showpost.php?p=91294&postcount=1031)completed and emailed to me by the time I get back that'd be super

[BigRedRod]

Sorry, I've been slack. I'll have a post forged this afternoon

Although I have noticed that none of you responded to my big list of questions *rues*

[The Alcotroll]

Slack are you...? Wait 'till I tell Gaz!

[BigRedRod]

Yes...

Sorry about the delay. I got called out to a meeting I'd completely forgotten about. I'll polish off an 7ds and move on forthwith

[BigRedRod]

Is that a go for operation "sit and wait"?

[The Alcotroll]

It was just Dron's general cowardice speaking, although naturally enough I'm reluctant to move on a position without OP-ing it first.

What do the other two musketeers suggest?

[Black Plauge]

I'm waiting on Roth's suggestion before I comment. Durn, after all, was the one who asked what the others thought. It would be kind of rude of him to not listen to whatever Roth has to say.

[BigRedRod]

Righty, ho
If we've all clear that we are waiting for a Josh post then I? won't feel guilty. I'll give him a prod when I see him about

[BigRedRod]

Hmm, as Josh seems to have fallen down a well perhaps you guys can just assume that he has no unique ideas and heartily endorses any suggested course of action

[SuperJosh]

Sorry about that all. I had a brain fart. Won't happen again... for a few months at least.

[The Alcotroll]

My inclination is to sulk in the trees and watch them tents to see who goes in or out.

[BigRedRod]

One big tent

[Black Plauge]

I'd like to use a life line Regis. I'm going to phone an expert.

[The Alcotroll]

Erm...

An experts in tents?

[SuperJosh]

Ohhhhhhhhhh, I hear those tent experts charge a bundle.:P

[Black Plauge]

Well, the show will pay for 30 seconds, won't it?

[Black Plauge]

Given choices A & B, I'll take option C.

[BigRedRod]

Sorry about my rushed post, I've had a connectionless day so I'm trying to get everything updated while I'm still online and before I am called away

A crude map is available in the location thread

[BigRedRod]

That'd be a yes to operation "How about sleeping in the tent?"

I just need clarrification on some things (they can go in the ooc if you prefer)

Are you making Tigris take a watch?

Are you having the full eight hours of sleep each (which will take longer than eight hours when 3 or 4 guard rotations are factored in)? Or are you planning on just resting until first light and getting back to it?

[The Alcotroll]

I'd say wait till light returns. Dron would probably insist on his eight hours though.

[BigRedRod]

With it being Summer it is already fairly late, about 8 or 9pm

And dawn will be early say about 5am

The more astute among you will realize that that is barely eight or nine hours. And tired heroes are bad, mmkay?

[The Alcotroll]

Looks like Dron wins this time then.

Eight hours it is.

[BigRedRod]

As I said actually getting 8 hours rest will clearly take longer than eight hours due to guard rotations

[The Alcotroll]

Yes.

Thankyou.

Carry on.

Stag or not, Dron will have his eight hours. I care not at which time we are roused as long as that criterion is fulfilled.

[BigRedRod]

Very good, and trusting Tigris to take a watch. Yay or Nay?

(I'll also wait to see if Josh and BP have any input on this)

[The Alcotroll]

I say yay, let the bugger earn his pay.

If we get attacked he can throw the rest of his poncy cuttlery set at the enemy.

[Black Plauge]

Durn, being a spellcaster, is always for the full 8 hours of rest option. Especially after a day in which spells were used.

I also like the idea of Tigris taking a watch, but then I'm also an advocate of a rotating 2 person watch. I.e. there are always at least two people up, and shift changes are staggered so that both persons on watch are not changing at the same time.

With four people and a full 8 hours of rest for each it would look something like this:

1 2 3 4
* * - -
* * - -
* * - -
* * - -
* - * -
* - * -
* - * -
* - * -
- - * *
- - * *
- - * *
- - * *
- * - *
- * - *
- * - *
- * - *

Of course, that means it takes 16 hours to get in a full 8 hours of rest for everybody and somebody has to make it all the way through that first 8 hour watch. You really need more people to make this kind of system work (that or a few elves).

At a bare minimum we need 10 hours 40 minutes down (with one person on watch). Each person takes a 2 hour 40 minute watch and gets 8 hours of sleep.

If we refuse Tigris a watch, we'll need 12 hours down. Each of us would take a 4 hour watch and get 8 hours of sleep.

In any case, Durn should take last watch so that he can get his 8 hours of rest and prep spells at the top of his watch.

[The Alcotroll]

....

Why don't we just sack it off and do the traditional hour-on-hour-off for however long that takes.

[Black Plauge]

Because then Durn won't get his 8 consecutive hours that are necessary to replenish his spells.

The rest of you can do as you like, but I'm going to insist on Durn get 8 consecutive hours of sleep if its at all possible.

[The Alcotroll]

Since you're fairly important to us as our lone spell-caster then you may as well get your eight straight hours and the other three of us can do two-hour stags.

[BigRedRod]

Okay, you've all had round about 8 hours sleep so you've regained some hp, but Durn is going to need another hour to prepare spells for the day.

Also, at the moment only Roth is awake

[SuperJosh]

Hey BRR, how close to everyone am I? Can I just reach out and shake them awake, or do I need to get up and move?

[BigRedRod]

Check the location thread for a 5ft map of the area

But a short answer is no :) The camp was away from the pen were possible while the best watch position is where you are on the other side of the tent

[Black Plauge]

Seems we weren't as alone as we thought. If things get ugly though, we're sort of trapped, and with most of us camping by the horse care equipment, its likely we'll be discovered soon as this gentleman does the chores.

[The Alcotroll]

Permission to bluff?

Dron'll tell him to raise his hands and not move if he doesn't want a crossbow bolt in his head.

If he legs it then we're probably screwed, but if he falls for it then we've saved ourselves a big problem.

If it fails I'll deny all knowledge of ever posting this.

[Black Plauge]

Only problem is that Dron is still asleep at the moment (and so is Durn). Roth is really the only one who can react.

[The Alcotroll]

Ah.

Good point.

[SuperJosh]

Ahhh what the hell, I night as well try it.

[Black Plauge]

So, until we get a PM from BRR, our characters are still asleep? Okay, good luck to you, Josh.

[Black Plauge]

As I recall, you said the man was speaking Tribal, BRR. I guess that means that only Roth really understands what is being said, right?

[BigRedRod]

He is speaking Kinth :
The words are clearly kinth as Roth is able to understand them, but the accent is strange and unknown to him. Then again, this is the furthest east in Dagern he has ever travelled.

And remember, every language has its own colour

[Black Plauge]

Duh. Forgot about that.

[BigRedRod]

Bollocks, I didn't notice Josh had posted again and I Was just merrily waiting for clouds to pass by

Err, so yes
Josh, can you just clarrify where Roth' weapon is? Did he leave it when he started moving, or is it sheated to his belt now?

[BigRedRod]

I'll give BP and Dron a little time to throw in any actions during Roth's walk. You can assume that the man will repeat the question

[BigRedRod]

Sorry that update took me so damn long

[Black Plauge]

So what did Roth do in that round of combat?

[BigRedRod]

nothing, I presume his lack of an action was to allow him to react to everybody else's move as is traditional. I moved Cy this round without any input from Roth as it seemed the thing to do

[Black Plauge]

I was going to respond to the man's comment, but I then realized that Durn wasn't awake for when Roth told him he was alone, and so my response was inappropriate. Perhaps, Roth would like to say something witty?

[BigRedRod]

*blows his conch of player summoning*

Josh! We need you to post!

[BigRedRod]

This is just the kind of time I really do hate having to NPC players. But there you go, I'm not willing to run a back and forth interrogation between me and myself, so Roth can just be angry and quiet for a while now. You two can decide what to do with the prisoner.

[Black Plauge]

I'll bug Josh for you.

[BigRedRod]

I haven't seen him online since the 6th, so I just assumed he was busy in RL

[Black Plauge]

He's been on over at the 3EBB. In fact, he and I are engaged in a online match of Conjurer's Chess over there, so I know he's been online several times in the past few days (as we've been posting back and forth).

[BigRedRod]

I should go back to the 3ebb just to herd my wayward players :) I'm guessing it just slipped his mind to check over here. Anyhow, a-posting I shall go.

[Black Plauge]

Seems like Dron should pick up some ranks in intimidate next level up.

[The Alcotroll]

Some ranks in bluff would be nice.

Or indeed any rogue-related skills.

Not sure what Dust was thinking when he made this character, but he sure as hell wasn't intending a rogue.

[BigRedRod]

Hmmm
It is quite the pickle as that is a good idea for torture no matter how obviously you've ripped it off (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0330793/). Still, I've an idea of how to resolve this if the roll goes badly.

[The Alcotroll]

Yup. I make no pretences as to the originality of my sources.

And since when have the dice affected your decisions anyway?

[SuperJosh]

Sorry, I took a day off work 2 weeks ago and am still trying to catch up. Beyond that RL has been a bear lately and the wife woking night (hence leaving me with the baby)... well, sucks. I am back, and will make this part of my daily ritual. Get home, check email, check Dagern Travels. That should prevent another prolonged absence.

[Black Plauge]

So, Roth seems ready to try interogating the man. Right?

[SuperJosh]

Sure. I will try.:) I do not know how scared he is going to be of my whooping 3.5 ranks!

[Black Plauge]

That's more than anybody else in the party.

[BigRedRod]

Apologies for that update taking me about 3 billion years, uni has entered the endgame phase of the year where they throw work and exams at us until we crack and turn in to the hulk.

[SuperJosh]

Uhhhhh BRR? It might be the massive amounts of illicit/illegal drugs I am currently under the influence of, but your last post made absolutley no sense to me.

*sobers up*

OK, I reread it, and I must still be hi. "hey kids, wanna get hi?"
"Hehe, Towlie is funny!"

[BigRedRod]

I think you mean high. And after a reread it still makes sense to me. If you have specific questions ask away and I'll clarrify

[BigRedRod]

Live damn you! Live!

I'd ask the others to chime in in attempting to extract any useful info from the man seeing as his spirit seems to be broken

[Black Plauge]

Well, since you asked.

[The Alcotroll]

Dron is going to sulk.

He might feed the dog though, that can be his good deed for the day. It's better to get those in early than have to worry about them around tea-time when you've lost patience.

[BigRedRod]

It occurs to me that I never really defined time keeping in this game. Apart from having ten day weeks, I can of half heartidly used the FR calender. I'm tempted to shunt us over to something more simplistic and imfortative. Remove months and just use weeks and seasons. I'll ponder on it more and decide (unless any of you have strong feelings against changing a detail which I'm not sure got much mention)

[The Alcotroll]

What's the odds that we can get away with pretending the be the counter-intelligence agents (I'm guessing at Imperial) that he seems to think we are?

We could make him think that there's some sort of intercine bickering going on and he's been backing the wrong side.
Since he's a lowly foot-soldier, it may be that he doesn't know the plans of anyone higher up the CoC than he is.

[Black Plauge]

I don't know, though I was thinking something similar. How can we play into his fear, and still extract information? If anything, his terror seems to be the kind that'll make him clam up.

[BigRedRod]

Well as Josh seems to have vanished again, it looks like it is up to you two.

I'll get some fresh meat in to the game as soon as I find someone suitable

[The Alcotroll]

So never then.

And I still can't think of a cast iron way to exploit this man's terror without running the risk of fucking up in an embarassing fashion again.

[Black Plauge]

I'm in the same boat and was hoping Josh would think of something, considering Roth is in charge of the interogation.

I'll try and come up with something later.

[BigRedRod]

So never then.

I'm optimistic that I'll find somebody able to post often and with a decent concept. I'd also like it to be someone who isn't already playing in one of my games.

And I still can't think of a cast iron way to exploit this man's terror without running the risk of fucking up in an embarassing fashion again.
As much as trying is the first step to failing, you have the bonus of "DM slant" on your side with wanting the game to move on.

[BigRedRod]

Well as much as I hate to say it I fear this game may be dead.

I have two active players and I'm having real problems finding any fresh meat. I'd rather avoid just posting an ad for players as it tends to result in either nothing or aquiring a few of the ORP members who either can't work with my DMing style or simply can't work with any DMing style.

I need input from you two. Is this game worth fighting for in your eyes? Or should we call it a day? I may well start another game in Dagern, but with clearer goals (i.e. Dragoons are a backdrop), so I could use this as a little intro and pull an itches and pick up the game a little way in to the future with possibly brand new characters. Either way, I'm torn but I don't want to doom the game if you two would prefer we struggled on and after my exams end I'l start hunting down good new players with avengence.

[Black Plauge]

While I hate to see any game die, I have to say that I feel less vested in this game than any other I'm in. I suppose that's because I didn't actually make my character, and thus have less of an attachment to him than I normally would.

Now don't get me wrong. I've enjoyed this game and would certianly love to continue playing, its just that I wouldn't be all broken up if the game were to die.

I completely understand how frustrating it can be to find new players. Often times the people you would want to play are too busy with other games to commit to another and the people who do want to play either lack the commitment or are incompatible with what you want to do.

I guess what I'm saying, is that I'll abide by whatever decision you make BRR. As the DM, your the one with the most invested in this campaign. Its only fair that you make the decision about whether its worth it.

[BigRedRod]

I have to say that I feel less vested in this game than any other I'm in. I suppose that's because I didn't actually make my character, and thus have less of an attachment to him than I normally would.
I think that's the problem. I have too characters and neither of you ever really made that attachment on account of being forced to take command of another's creation.

I guess what I'm saying, is that I'll abide by whatever decision you make BRR. As the DM, your the one with the most invested in this campaign. Its only fair that you make the decision about whether its worth it.
True, but I'd hate to kill the game if someone was really loving it.

Anyhow, just need to see what Craig thinks.

[The Alcotroll]

This game may be a little piece of History, but it's also probably doomed.

I'd go with the DT sequel option.

And I want to know whether my blatant metagaming was on the money too.

ie: Was the bloke really an Imperial lackey and would I have got a decent answer?

[BigRedRod]

Well that looks like two votes for taking up the threads of game plot a little way in to the future with another game (I'll lock the IC and this and throw them all in to an archive forum that I'll create in short order. I'm torn on whether to include an epilogue though).

If you two would like spots in the new game with brand new self-made characters then I'm happy to reserve you a pair of spots. I'll get plotting away and hopefully I'll have a game ad up shortly after my exams end.