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Player Communication

This page is for news, announcements, game discussions, and issues that might have previously gone into emails. Anyone can start a topic or add to one already started. Please type four dashes after your name and before starting your message so it is easy for everyone to see each person’s contributions.

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2024-11-18 BOB

For Wendy but everyone.

I always want people to be healthy, to be part of the game because they enjoy it, they want to be here, not because they feel they have to be here.

I have the time set from 7 PM to Midnight Eastern to give everyone a wide space to play in. For those like Sharif who make it in very late, or those on the east coast who make it in near the start, everyone should feel they can contribute as they feel they want to. It is always good to let people know when you need a break, etc. Duck away during the middle and come back later, or the next session.

Wendy 11/17/2024

Hey guys! I had to sleep and think on this for a while, but I think I'm gonna be trying some new routines for myself in terms of joining future sessions. Long story short, I've been getting migraines more often recently, and when I do I feel nauseous and my ears ring. Which sucks. I don't like that my body's reacting this way. But I'm thinking that I'll start setting time for longer breaks or maybe reduce my screen time and log off an hour or two earlier. I'll still be doing summaries to the best of my ability, so no one should have to worry about that, but if I need help I'll let you guys know!

I feel a little bad that I'm doing this when we're opening up this fun new era, but I can't have as much fun with you guys when my body feels all outta whack. Thanks for understanding! I'll see you all next week + Welcome Back, Spring!

2024 10 10 - BOB

As we get ready to wrap up Dead Dread Pirates in the next couple of sessions, then onto Graduation. That will be our first totally Out of Character story arc for everyone to talk about character training, party adjustments, etc.

Then I plan on running this trilogy of adventures for the group.....

YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID OF THE WATER... When the sun sinks low, the sea devils rise dripping from the dark waves. They swarm like sharks, lethal and unstoppable. Death glints like a promise in their rabid eyes, and the blood of their prey paints their claws and teeth scarlet. Night after night they come, slaying all who stand in their way. Their sudden raids have devastated the island, bringing fishing and commerce to a halt as the people cower in their homes, dreading the next sunset. Desperate, the Potentate of Angleburg has sent for help from daring adventurers willing to face the devil men of the deep. But more secrets lurk beneath the waves: this is no passing attack but part of a more sinister, secret design by the most dangerous and capable race to inhabit the dark seas. Evil Tide is the first of an adventure trilogy (continuing with Night of the Shark and concluding in Sea of Blood ) that pits brave adventurers against the evil race called Sahuagin by the air-breathing races. The sahuagin adventure trilogy can be played seperately or linked together to form a seamless epic-length adventure. The sahuagin trilogy supports Monstrous Arcana: Sea Devils , a source book providing invaluable, fascinating, and immediately applicable supplementary information.

I will be tweaking etc. as always but want to be sure the group thinks this will be a fun thing to explore. New races, new places, underwater adventurers!

Lisa 10/9/24

Lemon – I’m glad you took some time since the other week. It sounds like you’re making the best decision for you, which makes it absolutely the best decision. Also good to know that you will still drop in on Discord and won’t disappear from people that don’t see you other places. Please reach out if you need me for any reason or for no reason. Either sounds good. Take care of yourself and please do drop in from time to time on the server as I care how you are doing. (and sorry for putting your name and date on your post for formatting - just want to make sure people see it from you - edit if you want)

Lemon 10/9/24

I have spent a lot of time thinking about this, and discussing it in therapy, and while my therapist reminded me that I don't have to justify my boundaries, I do want to just address a couple of things that were mentioned in BOBs previous post. And because it's hard to read tone in text, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to say this in a passive aggressive way, I'm not angry, I'm not trying to blame anyone. It's just how I see things right now. I'm not emotional about it at the moment, which is why I'm choosing to make this post now.

If the pets do not get hurt "on stage" then correct, that is not a trigger. That's how triggers work, as far as I know. Pets and children are getting hurt all over the world every day. If all the possibilities that I didn't know about were triggers, then I wouldn't be triggered, I would be a constantly depressed and anxious mess. I didn't know that the lizards were pets. How could I have known that at the time? But once I saw that you had said that, I felt bad about that as well. It is a point well made about the lizards, and another reason why I do not feel like this is the right place/game for me. It's not that anyone has done anything wrong, it just isn't for me.

There were a lot of compromises that could have been made. The dogs are NPCs. The players do not directly control them. So while we had agreed to free and care for them, we never told them to fight. A lot of times in this game, when something gets hurt, it tries to run away. They could have done that. They could have been wolves instead of dogs.

I could list a dozen others, but those are not my choices to make. It is your game, and you can run it however you want and players can play however they want. However, based on the event itself, and the aftermath it has caused, I still feel like this is not the place for me. As my therapist said, no one is required to adhere to my boundaries. My boundaries are my choices. Other people can choose what they want to do with that information. And I can choose what I want to do based on how people react to my boundaries. And I have chosen to leave.

No one did anything wrong, I don't blame anyone for what happened. But there are enough triggers in the real world that I don't want to spend my hobbies with those triggers. I'm not disappearing. You are all people that I care about. I wish you all the best of luck, and tons of fun, and I'm sure I will still be around on discord.

2024 10 05 BOB

Lemon I do understand your intense focus on the dogs. I did say there are no magic dogs, likely on Discord if not in chat here.

I did not at any point have any of the NPCs or any non-player character attack the dogs randomly. I always left everything up to the players.

The dogs were the ones that lead the group to the door to the outside, where they are used to going. The dogs went straight for the cage where their owner/master was being held. The dogs did not attack any lizard men who were not in their way towards that goal. The dogs were attacked by the lizard men who were guarding the cage only if there were no PCs in between the lizard men and the dogs.

Things that you said below that I do disagree with.

If they run away that's fine - So abandoning the dogs to the hostile lizard men, dinosaur is ok? The dogs can be attacked/killed as long as you do not see it on stage? don't you dare leave that dog locked in that room - So that means either taking the dogs with you or what? pets and children getting hurt is a major trigger - So attacking the giant lizards that were pets of the gnomes is ok or not? Glimber hid in the passageway turned away from that fight so he would not have to watch the group kill the lizards. I am 99% certain that it did not register with anyone.

I want to emphasis that I understand your intense focus on the dogs. I agree if I made an encounter focused on harming the dogs that would be a bad thing. However the group was faced with a choice. You found the dogs 'abandoned' in their kennels. You freed them and took care of them. You took responsibility for them. You became responsible for what happens to them.

That was one of the things that Spring made a point of just before she had to drop out last year. That I was acting in a way that did not give the characters control over their destiny, that I was requiring things rather than presenting options. The group had many options in how they wanted to deal with the dogs.

In the end only one of the dogs died. The group decided to leave the mage in his home with his spell books for multiple reasons. One of which was if they took him captive and home they might have had to abandon the dogs without him again. The group had options and made choices. I did not impose anything.

10/05 Lemon

I will talk about this with Carissa privately if/when she is ready, but since it was brought up publicly, I do also want to address it publicly. I do want to point out that, in addition to showing that they were a high priority to me, almost to the point of obsession, I did clearly state, more than once, that these dogs were an important boundary for me. I did not want to continue harping on it again in the next session, because I thought I was clear, and I didn't want to annoy people more than I already had, since there had already been a... I'm not sure how to word it. Not a disagreement, necessarily, but maybe some frustration expressed with how I was fixated on the dogs and treating them.

From the session on the 21st: Lemon (Levi Reed): I swear to god, if you let these dogs die, I WILL quit this game

Lemon (Levi Reed): He and I both care about nothing except the dogs currently

Lemon (Levi Reed): But again... if BOB kills these domesticated dogs, I'm instantly logging out. Like if they run away, that's fine, but if they get murdered, nope, I'm out.

Lemon (Levi Reed): Pets and children getting hurt is a major trigger for me

Levi Reed: Dogs are meant for guarding and warning, not for attacking

Lemon (Levi Reed): Don't you dare leave that dog locked in that room, BOB. Don't you dare.

I know that the 21st was a long day of playing, and I wouldn't expect everyone to remember everything that was said. But I did feel like I was very clear about how important this particular issue was for me. There was also a conversation somewhere before we even found those dogs, where I said I would love to have a dog in the game but only if it could never die, and would have to run away during combat or something. At which point I recall BOB saying that there were no magical dogs in the game. I believe that was on discord, but I couldn't find it with a search, so I'm not sure. It's possible that I'm remembering wrong. At that point I'm sure it wasn't clear how important it was to me, so I understand why the dogs were not say, switched out for a different animal. Wolves maybe? Still would have been emotional for me, but not a trigger in the way that domesticated dogs are.

That's all I have to say about it now, but I do have an appointment with my therapist on Wednesday, and I expect after that I will be much better able to think and talk clearly about it, and if anyone wants to discuss it further, I will be willing to do so.

10/02 Carissa

Just a reminder to other players, new and old, that if there is something going on during the game that makes you uncomfortable, please speak up. If you aren't comfortable doing that, hit the SLOW or STOP button. Those are anonymous but they are not ignored. They are there for a reason. Use them.

This game is meant to be fun. No one is maliciously trying to trigger you or push your boundaries. But you have to advocate for yourself. Warn us ahead of time if we might be treading too close to something where you might want to stop or step away, but speak up.

In a group where most of us can't remember what we had for lunch (no offense), you cannot expect everyone to remember what bothers you every moment of the game. We'll try to remember but things get crazy, no one can read minds, and if you don't communicate with us, things may go too far.

This group has always been supportive of taking care of yourself in the many years I've been playing but we're all fallible humans who can barely take care of ourselves without always remembering your needs. Or knowing when things are spiraling for you if you stay silent. Please speak up for your own sake.

2024010 01 - BOB

So we had a successful Birthday Game, and I need to do some work on the site to update links, etc.

We are not done with Dead Dread Pirates yet, you have questions (I hope) and things to accomplish. Then back to Mizzen for the wrap up with the Duke.

After that is sailing back to Osterhold, and we wrap up this story arc.

The next story arc will be called Graduation. That story arc should be 1 or 2 sessions I hope, no more than 3 but only 3 if suddenly Carissa & Lisa develops an obsession with planning.

Graduation will be our first story arc done entirely Out of Character. It is training, and coordinating, and a bit of planning. Then we regroup and I give out the mission for the next Era.

The Era starting after Graduation will be long, drawn out, complicated and dangerous. The Plan(tm) is that you complete most if not all of three modules designed to introduce Sea Elves and their enemies. By the time the surviving characters complete all the pieces we will be ready for some free flowing adventures that involve a group that is much more powerful.

It will be fun.

2024 08 23 Sharif

Hi everyone, just a heads up that as the school year has started I'm back to my 4-8pm schedule so I won't be able to make a lot of the games. I'll try to plan ahead for the Birthday game though so I can hopefully attend that one. Thanks

2024 07 20 BOB

The group has started Dead Dread Pirates as the next Story Arc in the Student Loans Era. I anticipate that this Story Arc will run through BOB's Birthday Game in September. Once this is wrapped up we will do one more Story Arc called Graduation. The Graduation story arc {promise not in line with the Deadly Education series by Novik} is all about training and having everyone feel their characters are in top shape and ready to explore their twenties in style.

Then we start the next Epic Era that will take us a year to play through. Sea Devils, Pirates, disappearing islands, and new races to encounter. We will be creating stories that people will tell for years to come.

2024 07 17 - Sharif

Hi Everyone. Afraid I won't be able to make it this Friday, but I should be back to normal for the next one. Have fun!

2024 06 13 - Sharif

Hey there DSers, good news, changing schedule for the summer so I'll be getting off at 5pm now. Still miss the first hour, realistically probably first hour and a half, but still making it for the three hours or so is cool. Cya tomorrow :)

2024 06 13 - Wendy

Hi friends! My sister's birthday celebration got pulled up to tomorrow last minute due to schedule conflict, so participating for the upcoming session is a little up in the air. I'll try to make it in towards that later timeframe, but if I miss it, have fun with those urchins!

2024 05 02 Sharif

Hey Gang! Apologies for the short notice, but I'll be able to attend the full session tomorrow. Excited to play with everyone again feels like it's been ages. Also not sure who won't be able to attend down below because no name, but you will be missed! (Hoping it's not Lemon but kinda feeling like it's Lemon)

2024 04 18 - BOB

Once a Dragonslayer Always a Dragonslayer

As you said you can contribute as you want with the character listing so you can help everyone with that.

2024 04 17

I find it deeply ironic that when I worked two full-time jobs and went to school, I was always able to make this work. So it is with sadness that I have to let you guys know that I will be unable to be in the game from about last week to October. I am frequently traveling for work, and my Fridays are actually partial nights now to accommodate international locations. Until that project is over with, I am unfortunately stuck. I hate to admit it, but no matter how much I love you all and want to stay in the game, the one paying my mortgage is going to always be front and center. (Although you will always be my friend, duh, I'm just talking about the attendance.) P.S. I also find it deeply ironic that on the ONE year I was going to make EVERY.SINGLE.SESSION turned into the one where I'm going to be missing the most sessions. Sorry guys. I'll still keep up and bob I'll be working on that "Character Glossary", but in terms of joining the sessions, that is a no go. :(

Really wish I could say something else, but I'm not really sure what I could say. Hugs guys.

2024 04 07 - Sharif

Hello again. Just a heads up I'll be able to make full session this friday April 12th. Cya then :)

2024 03 28 - Sharif

Hi everyone. Thanks to Spring Break and early schedule I'll also be able to make it to the game tomorrow, so just wanted to give yall a heads up. Cya tmrw :)

2024 03 08 - BOB

No game tonight but wanted to lay out what I think everyone wants for training and what has been done so far.

Dates for training 08-02-587 Work begins on the clearing the landslide debris from the roadway 09-02-587 Temperance starts spell training

09-02 to 17-02 Vee and Ratbone are "free" working on chores around the church Lirt is copying documents from the "The Shroom" keeping a copy for your group, originals go to the Church

18-02-587 Roadway clearing is completed

Everyone except Temperance is available for chores and small things around the Church area

27-02-587 Temperance completes spell training and has learned 2nd level spells

01-03-587 Celebrations at the Church {first day of summer}

02-03-587 Leave to go in search of the Snow Man.

"The Snow Man knows what you need"

2024 03 07 Sharif

Hey all, hope you're not having too much fun without me :) So Dan Carlin of Hardcore History is gonna be in town on the 21st, and I obviously couldn't say no to that opportunity. Called it an early day that Thursday (it starts at 8pm, plus it's all the way downtown ugh), but I called off the whole of Friday so I don't have to worry about getting to bed too late or anything. More importantly, I'll be able to attend the game on March 22 2024. I'll plan to be around the whole session, looking forward to it :)

S

2024 02 17 BOB

Good rescue session last night.

I had the inspiration on the doorway and why we were miscommunication on it over night.

The hallway you were standing is/was 15 foot wide. A door is ~5 foot wide. So there was space on either side to take cover or block someone from moving through.

Normally you are in a:

So the situation you were in was 15 foot wide, 5 foot in the middle so Vee standing there can block anyone from coming in or going out. Temperance and Rothuss can take the angle and shoot over here into the other room but no melee attacks. Called shot to avoid hitting Vee. Another called shot to avoid hitting Ratbone as she is being grappled.

Hope that clears things up for everyone.

BOB

02/16/24

Hey all. Not so great news, starting February 20th my schedule is finally changing so that I'll be working 4-8pm west coast time, pretty much the exact time of the game. On the bright side we have tonight and I believe bonus game tmrw as well, so that's cool. I could certainly log in for the last few minutes of games, but don't think I'll be able to contribute much as everything is coming to an end session wise. There will be times I take Fridays off because I like three day weekends (unique I know). I guess it's a an opportunity for me to get more acquainted with using the site side of adventures, but considering my track record no promises lol.

Sharif

02/15/2024

Hey guys! I will be in FGU tonight from 6:00 - 8:00 PM MST to see if I can find a way out of our predicament. I'll be writing notes and possibilities and then at the end of the session will place two different potential plans on the Mushroom Man Story Arc. I'll also be in Discord if anyone would like to converse and brainstorm a way out. Also, I apologize for the late notice.

-Resp, MJH

02/09/2024 OMG this site is WAY more readable on my phone than it used to be.

THANKS BOB!!

Sorry I suddenly can't make it tonight.

02/07/2024 A Treatise on XP. Translation: How the hell are we divving it up?

First post of the new year? Man, we go this in the bag!

So, this isn't meant to be a critique, this is strictly information. Up until we started this adventure, honestly XP was some vague abstract concept because even when I joined up oh....10 years ago? Gaining a level was some once every two year type of affair. I think Lisa leveled up what was is Lisa? Two or three times? The point, is that it was just some vague abstract concept that I didn't really concern myself with because generally, I could survive most encounters without my butt cheeks clenched, and gold/magic artifacts were pretty plentiful. I think we even have a couple just sitting around on that old pack sheet.

So, why do I bring this up? Well, XP is back baby! It matters and at such a low level, I am now in XP Poverty Accounting Class 101, attempting to account for any slippage or sliver of XP that may go unaccounted for in my Scrooge McXP Vault.

I need help remembering the logic behind XP grants. I don't mean the bonuses, those are simple to understand. When I go back through last weeks chat, I see the XP divvied up at the bottom great! We nailed it! But, I notice that some characters got more. I AM NOT saying that they don't deserve it. That is not the point of this. This is me attempting to decipher HOW they got more, and what I need to do to reach that level of attainability.

And bob, I am NOT critiquing. If you feel players deserve more, I don't particularly care, I'm simply attempting to maximize my own gainage as well, because I see Jericho and a few others got 100 XP, but then others got 250. I know for a fact Jericho contributed, and was present for all encounters. From the chat files, it looks like you all wrapped up shortly after I had to leave for the night, which is my standard bedtime (11 PM Bob's Time), so I don't think I missed any encounters. I know for a fact that *cough* despite his pacifistic ways he definitely dealt some damage (although we all seem to be getting good at that), so just trying to figure out where I am going wrong on that.

Could you post the logic?

Warm regards, MJH

2024 02 08 BOB

I - Do not worry about XP, it just accumulates II - Everyone earns at a different rate III - Everyone needs a different amount to go up in level IV - Everyone earns different types of XP

a - XP for defeating creatures
i - note not just for killing, surviving/defeating/avoiding all are worth XP
b - XP for continuing the story along
i - XP for conversations
ii - XP for solving puzzles, clever ways of completing tasks
c - XP for helping out everyone with the site
i - XP Story Chats given out at the end of the story arc
ii - XP for Summaries given out at the end of the story arc
d - XP bonus for Story Arc participation
e - XP for Era participation
f - XP for roleplay overall

Logic path: Do things = Earn XP