View Full Version : D&D 4th Edition - Mafia Forumers
So, it's time this thread was made, so that I could stop talking about this in discussion threads.
Over the past month or so, I've been planning on doing a 4th Edition game online. I made small mention of this in the Mafia Chit-Chat thread, and I soon discovered that there were a lot of interested people. So many people, in fact, that I didn't want to try and draft anyone else. You'll see why, when you see the player's list.
Basic ideas here, so that nobody has hurt feelings:
1. I would like for everyone that is interested in playing, to be able to play. That means that if we have too many people, Malakim and I are going to cut the player's list in half, and run separate campaigns. We're already at that point. The divvying up is something that's still up for discussion, because I'd like to utilize the most diplomatic method possible.
2. 4-6 players in every session. That's what Wotc recommends, and in practice, that's pretty accurate. The basic goal here is that neither Mal nor I am ever sitting there with 2 players one night, and we're never sitting with 8.
3. Seamless session starts and endings. To explain this further, when the DM wants to start a session, he needs to be able to start it. Yeah, sometimes you're late getting off work, that's fine. But if you haven't tried using MapTools yet before your first session, for example, and then discover that it's not working for some reason, it's terribly inconvenient for the DM to try and troubleshoot your problem when his session should be starting. This typically results in a domino effect of his other players getting bored or disinterested, leaving their computers, etc. Making sure that the session starts off when it is supposed to is going to fall mostly on the DM's shoulders, but it should also be a group effort. Don't be that guy. In addition to this, it's going to be my goal to make sure I've got all of my stuff ready to go, plenty of time in advance.
The below posts are going to be used for player tracking, and for links to various tools and sites you can use.
Tools!
1 - Thawmus & Malakim2099 - They're both pretty big tools. They're also kinda helpful. So ask them questions. If they're your DM, you should ask them lots of questions. They'll have answers.
2 - Wizards' not-so-free tools= These require a subscription to get the full effect:
Compendium (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Tool.aspx?x=dnd/4new/tool/compendium) - This is the compilation of damn near everything in D&D. If it was in a book, it's here. Glossary terms can be found in here, which can be really handy if you want to look up the difference between Dazed and Stunned.
Character Builder (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Tool.aspx?x=dnd/4new/tool/characterbuilder) - If you're here, you've probably sat with me and had your character made with this handy dandy tool. The reason they don't want you to use this thing for free becomes clear quickly - it almost removes the necessity for having the books, completely. Actually, I'd pretty much say it does.
One point of note: A subscriber can use their username and password to update 5 Character Builders per month. So, when we get this all divvied up, chances are that those of you who are super solid participants, and need updates for your character builder, will have one.
Dragon Magazine (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Tool.aspx?x=dnd/4new/tool/dragonmagazine) - All sorts of articles, artwork, and ideas for your character. Any classes, races, feats, or powers that you run into, is already included in the Character Builder, though, so don't worry about those.
3 - Wizards' Free Tools - No subscription required
Name Generator (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Tool.aspx?x=dnd/4new/tool/cng)
D&D Forums (http://community.wizards.com/go/forum/viewcategory/75882/Dungeons_38_Dragons) - I've found that the Role-specific forums can be a huge help for your build ideas.
4 - RPTools - Bolded because these are really important for you to have.
RPTools launch page (http://www.rptools.net/index.php?page=launch) - This is the page where you can save your shortcuts for launching their programs, or launch them directly from this page. Be sure and read the instructions. If you don't have Java, you'll be installing it.
MapTool - I do not plan on using this anymore. Mal might, but I won't.
InitiativeTool - don't bother. That's for me and Mal.
Character Tool - Give it a try, but you may find that it's not all that necessary, compared to Character Builder, or the PDF I've send you. Actually, I seriously wouldn't bother. It's up to you though.
TokenTool - makes tokens. This is a very easy to use tool for making character pogs for use in Gametable. If you make yours, send it to me via email!
DiceTool - really not necessary, since there's dice rollers in Gametable. Don't bother.
5. Gametable : http://sourceforge.net/projects/gametable/
Gametable is the platform we'll be using to play the game. If this software doesn't work, you're not playing. When you are finished installing it, you will find it in your start menu as "OSU-gt R8". Don't ask me why, I really have no idea.
The server IP address is not something I will post publicly. However, the password will always be "HCR", and the port will always be 6812. If you are trying to connect on X night, just PM me, and I'll send you the IP address.
6. GSC http://www.getgsc.com/gsc/downloads/
GSC is the tool we will most likely be using for voice communication. For those of you who are familiar with Ventrilo, it's pretty much the same thing, except completely free. More details will follow, but for now, it would be a good idea to install this, and get registered so that you can connect.
NON-DIGITAL TOOLS:
1. Player's Handbook (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Product.aspx?x=dnd/products/dndacc/217367200)- Personally, I find that, thanks to Character Builder, this is really the only book you would really need to own. It has all of the tactical combat rules and such, that help you understand how the game works.
2. Rules Compendium (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Product.aspx?x=dnd/products/dndacc/247530000) - Currently unreleased, and part of the new Essentials line, this is a catchall for all of the core rules. If you passed up on the Player's Handbook, this would be a good idea as well.
3. Other books - There are a lot of supplemental books in D&D 4th edition, and you can use any of them. In 3.5, DMs were always cautioned against doing this, because the stuff in each splat book was always potentially game breaking. In 4th edition, everything available in the game, is available in the character builder anyways. So if you spot something in a brand new book that you really want to use, chances are pretty good that I'll have access to it.
Stuff that you might want to look into, would be a book that centers on your race or class, so that you can pick out more of the fluff and flavor for your character. For example, if you were a Genasi Swordmage, picking up Forgotten Realms Player's Guide, would be a good idea, since it is the book that introduced both that race, and that class, and would give you all the flavor you need for both.
[/my rather half-hearted attempt to push the game books]
Here's what we have for players so far. I've broken them down into roles, and range, so that we can see what we have to work with, when we break these out.
1.Tyroman: Dragonborn Paladin - Melee Defender
2. Ouch: Razorclaw Shifter Ranger - Ranged Striker
3. get_1: Wildkin Druid - Combo Controller
4. Robo-Onion: Half-Elf Assassin - Combo Striker
5. Skykushryd: Minotaur Runepriest - Melee Leader
6. Truffles: Drow Rogue - Melee Striker
7. Kontrol: Tiefling Bard/Warlock Hybrid - Ranged Leader/Striker
8. Rokk: Bard? - Ranged Leader?
9. Charles: Genasi Warlord - Melee Leader
10. Ko Bossy: Warforged Fighter - Melee Defender
11. Stanley: Eladrin Wizard - Ranged Controller
12. Malakim: Monk/Avenger Hybrid? - Melee Striker?
13. Doom: Human Sorceror - Ranged Striker
Strikers - 5.5
Defenders - 2
Leaders - 3.5
Controllers - 2
Melee - 6
Ranged - 5
Combo - 2
Mic: Doom, KO Bossy, charles, Robo-Onion
Friday nights:
Solid-Tyroman
Pretty Good- Mal, Charles (Late)
Shaky- Get_1, OuchMaker, Truffles, Stan
Oh Man-Rokk
Damnit- Robo-Onion, Kontrol
Never - Doom, KO Bossy
Sunday afternoons:
Solid-Tyroman, KO Bossy
Pretty Good- get_1, Doom, Robo-Onion
Shaky- charles, Ouch, Rokk, kontrol
Oh Man-
Damnit-Mal
Never- Truffles, Stan
Monday mornings:
Solid-
Pretty Good-Rokk, Truffles
Shaky- Tyro
Oh Man-
Damnit-get_1, Stan
Never-Robo-Onion, kontrol
Monday evenings:
Solid- Tyro
Pretty Good-Robo-Onion, Rokk
Shaky- kontrol, Stan
Oh Man-
Damnit-get_1
Never- Truffles
Saturday Afternoons:
Solid-
Pretty Good - Truffles
Shaky -
Oh Man-
Damnit-
Never-
Tuesday Evenings:
Solid-
Pretty Good-
Shaky-
Oh Man-
Damnit-
Never-
Connected via Maptools:
Thawmus
Robo-Onion
Tyroman
Thawmus' Game -
"Thawmus' Heroes"
Characters (https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B-BfkoQXLz0MODRjN2NkYjEtMjhmOS00YjVmLThhNGMtOGRiMmUzZTg1NzEy&hl=en)
The game is set in a general setting for the most part, however the main world is attached to several offshoot worlds via ebony staircases in the surrounding mountain range. The game is currently starting in the Dwarven Underconquer.
Dwarven Underconquer -
What once was a swampland overrun with tribal warfare between various standard monster races, has now been overrun by dwarves. The Dwarven Underconquer is the crowning achievement for the kingdom of Skycutter. Supposedly 100 years ago, they led an expedition through a cave in the Wall Of The World, and discovered the violent world that is now the Underconquer. Foulstone, their first settlement, was an outreach center, where they corralled the various monster races, and forcefully educated them to inhabit a civilized society.
Skycutter soldiers march the streets of every major city in the Underconquer, and they are known for their lack of humor. Crimes are usually dealt with swiftly, as even the smallest crime committed is met with a brutal death in the street. Humans and Dwarves, of course, are exceptions to this, and are given rather lengthy trials that are undoubtedly heard in their favor for the most part.
This is reserved for....something.
malakim2099
08/13/2010, 10:50
This is reserved for the fact that I'm the alternate DM. ;)
Anyway, my schedule is a bit in flux right now. But I will have an idea in the next week or two what the schedule will be for my half (if necessary) to run.
Also, Thawmus, I figured we'd be running at different times though I will not allow duplicate players. If you're in T's game, you have one, so you won't be in mine.
However, Thawmus, if you want to play as well and can make it when I run, you'd be welcome to play.
Also. NO BUNNIES.
charlesx
08/13/2010, 10:54
Genasi Warlord reporting for duty and subscribing to the thread.
Ready to get this show on the road.
Also, I draw my sword.
:cool:
Yeah, I suppose I should say, everyone who got a PM for this thread (which is everyone on the above list), should be subscribing to this thread. If you didn't, I'm gonna make a mess out of you.
Robo-Onion
08/13/2010, 11:10
I whip out 6 of my daggers. Let's do it!
*hops into thread*
I whip out 6 of my daggers. Let's do it!
I counter with my 5 shuriken. :devious:
Okay, I want 2 things, from people:
1. I would like for someone who has the Character Builder, yet does not have the updates, to try something for me:
a. Launch the Character Sheet Viewer from your Start Menu
b. Open the character file that I emailed to you. Not the PDF file, the other one that I told you wouldn't work.
c. Tell me what happens. Does it load your character completely?
2. I would like everyone to categorize their availability, for me, based on Friday evenings, starting at 7 PM EST - 10 PM EST:
a. Solid - I'm here every week. Nothing's gonna stand in my way.
b. Pretty good - Might not make it sometimes, but for the most part, I'll be there.
c. Shaky - Expect it to be every other week
d. Oh Man - Once a month
e. Damnit - I'll be there like once every 3 months
2. I would like everyone to categorize their availability, for me, based on Friday evenings, starting at 7 PM EST - 10 PM EST:
a. Solid - I'm here every week. Nothing's gonna stand in my way.
b. Pretty good - Might not make it sometimes, but for the most part, I'll be there.
c. Shaky - Expect it to be every other week
d. Oh Man - Once a month
e. Damnit - I'll be there like once every 3 months
Tell you what, do this for Sunday afternoons as well, starting at 3 PM EST and going to 6 PM EST
Ouchmaker
08/13/2010, 11:58
Yeah, I suppose I should say, everyone who got a PM for this thread (which is everyone on the above list), should be subscribing to this thread. If you didn't, I'm gonna make a mess out of you.
But I don't subscribe to threads, I just keep them open on my Firefox so when I open my browser I'm already here.
But I don't subscribe to threads, I just keep them open on my Firefox so when I open my browser I'm already here.
You should use your UserCP more often. Less tabs, and you can track all your favorite threads on one screen. It's awesome. I live in my UserCP. I have a bed there. It's a big bed. Doom's mom has to fit there, after all.
Friday evenings - C. Shaky
Sunday afternoons - B. Pretty good
malakim2099
08/13/2010, 12:29
Current schedule (this is subject to change)
Friday evenings - B. Pretty Good
Sunday afternoons - E. Damnit!
(This might flip, depending on the schedule I get for work.)
DocDoom187
08/13/2010, 12:29
Fri-friday evenings... :(
Availability: Never ever.
It's my Sabbath...
Sunday: B. Pretty damn good
charlesx
08/13/2010, 12:32
Friday evenings - Pretty good but better after 8:30 EST (my kids' bedtime)
Sunday afternoons - Depends. Shaky. Usually all right.
charlesx
08/13/2010, 12:35
Fri-friday evenings... :(
Availability: Never ever.
It's my Sabbath...
Sunday: B. Pretty damn good
Pardon my ignorance, Doc, but does that mean that for the Sabbath you have religious obligations to attend, or that you cannot engage in game play because it is the Sabbath? Genuine curiousity, is all.
Friday evenings - Pretty good but better after 8:30 EST (my kids' bedtime)
Sunday afternoons - Depends. Shaky. Usually all right.
Yeah, I'm flexible on the start time for the Friday night, btw.
I'm also rather flexible on the start time for the Sunday afternoon/evening, but I'd like to not cross 5:00 in any time zone.
DocDoom187
08/13/2010, 12:45
Pardon my ignorance, Doc, but does that mean that for the Sabbath you have religious obligations to attend, or that you cannot engage in game play because it is the Sabbath? Genuine curiousity, is all.
Because it's Sabbath. While I do have some religious obligations (prayers are a little longer, there's a festive meal etc.) it hardly takes up all day. Electricity though is forbidden on Sabbath, so no computer for me, and no D&D online for me Friday nights. :(
Because it's Sabbath. While I do have some religious obligations (prayers are a little longer, there's a festive meal etc.) it hardly takes up all day. Electricity though is forbidden on Sabbath, so no computer for me, and no D&D online for me Friday nights. :(
Keep in mind that this is availability checking for MY game. Mal's still got a game, and it's gonna need people. Cool people. People that are awesome.
So, if you know any... :noid:
charlesx
08/13/2010, 12:48
Because it's Sabbath. While I do have some religious obligations (prayers are a little longer, there's a festive meal etc.) it hardly takes up all day. Electricity though is forbidden on Sabbath, so no computer for me, and no D&D online for me Friday nights. :(
Ak, OK. Thanks for your response.
malakim2099
08/13/2010, 12:50
Keep in mind that this is availability checking for MY game. Mal's still got a game, and it's gonna need people. Cool people. People that are awesome.
So, if you know any... :noid:
Indeed. And I don't want to post my schedule until I know for sure what it is going to be.
DocDoom187
08/13/2010, 12:51
Keep in mind that this is availability checking for MY game. Mal's still got a game, and it's gonna need people. Cool people. People that are awesome.
So, if you know any... :noid:
....
Damn I don't know any. :(
I've updated those first posts with loads of information. The tools post is now filled. I've got your availabilities down for now.
Ouchmaker
08/13/2010, 12:58
2. I would like everyone to categorize their availability, for me, based on Friday evenings, starting at 7 PM EST - 10 PM EST:
a. Solid - I'm here every week. Nothing's gonna stand in my way.
b. Pretty good - Might not make it sometimes, but for the most part, I'll be there.
c. Shaky - Expect it to be every other week
d. Oh Man - Once a month
e. Damnit - I'll be there like once every 3 months
This is about 2 AM for me, so everything between Pretty Good and Oh Man, depending on how tired I am, closer to pretty good atm.
This is about 2 AM for me, so everything between Pretty Good and Oh Man, depending on how tired I am, closer to pretty good atm.
Keep in mind that sessions are typically 3 hours, sometimes longer, so you'll be going to bed at like 5 AM
Plus, if we go later, it'll be even later at night for you.
I'm gonna put you down for "Shaky"
What about Sunday afternoons?
BTW, I had posted it in that other thread, so I'll post it here:
Tonight, I might have time for testing MapTools. So if anyone is up for that, let me know.
I'd also like to perhaps get some dialogue on Mics vs. No Mics
Ouchmaker
08/13/2010, 13:20
Keep in mind that sessions are typically 3 hours, sometimes longer, so you'll be going to bed at like 5 AM
Plus, if we go later, it'll be even later at night for you.
I'm gonna put you down for "Shaky"
What about Sunday afternoons?
Afternoons, possibly, depends on my Saturday (read as possible hangover), and how long it would take, 1 AM would be the latest for me, so any later than 6 PM EST would not be good for me.
BTW, I had posted it in that other thread, so I'll post it here:
Tonight, I might have time for testing MapTools. So if anyone is up for that, let me know.
I'd also like to perhaps get some dialogue on Mics vs. No Mics
If someone else is up for it, I wouldn't mind tagging along, checked MapTools, but had no idea how anything worked, so stopped playing with it.
I may do another DimDim session to show people how to connect.
Robo-Onion
08/13/2010, 13:37
Friday evenings are pretty much damnit! Until around 11 PM EST. Sunday afternoons should be pretty good.
charlesx
08/13/2010, 14:11
Tonight, I might have time for testing MapTools. So if anyone is up for that, let me know.
I'd also like to perhaps get some dialogue on Mics vs. No Mics
I have a mic! I'll check later tonight and see whether you are on or not.
:cool:
Ouchmaker
08/13/2010, 14:26
I have a mic! I'll check later tonight and see whether you are on or not.
:cool:
TQFKtBdC6iU
Robo-Onion
08/13/2010, 14:26
*hops into thread*
I counter with my 5 shuriken. :devious:
this calls for 4 more daggers and a short sword :cool:
charlesx
08/13/2010, 14:29
this calls for 4 more daggers and a short sword :cool:
Boot to the head.
:m-boot:
!!:o
Rokk_Krinn
08/13/2010, 15:46
Hmm...not sure I've got a mic set-up.
I'm just asking, btw. It is not currently a requirement, or anything. Don't go buying a 20 dollar mic on my account.
In other news, I'm really thinking about starting my campaign in the Chaos Scar. Mal, thoughts?
DocDoom187
08/13/2010, 16:08
I have a mic.
People with laptops should definitely check and see if they have a built in mic. Just about all laptops come with them nowadays.
I have a mic.
People with laptops should definitely check and see if they have a built in mic. Just about all laptops come with them nowadays.
I'm considerably impressed with the one I have. Like, I have to turn the volume down on mine for DimDim sessions quite a bit.
DocDoom187
08/13/2010, 16:15
I'm considerably impressed with the one I have. Like, I have to turn the volume down on mine for DimDim sessions quite a bit.
The only problem I have with mine is that it's situated right by the keyboard and right on top of the harddrive so there's sometime some staticy sound from the harddrive spinning, and when I type it sounds like an elephant stampede.
But the sound quality itself is fairly impressive, especially considering how old this computer I'm using is.
KO Bossy
08/13/2010, 16:30
Friday Nights-Not so great (usually, I'm out with friends that night).
Sunday Afternoon-solid.
I have a built in mic, but I sound weird when I use it, totally unlike my usually charming self.
Robo-Onion
08/13/2010, 16:54
I have a mic.
Also, Thawmus, I figured we'd be running at different times though I will not allow duplicate players. If you're in T's game, you have one, so you won't be in mine.
I kinda assumed this would be a given, but in case it isn't, that's a two-way street. If you're in one game, you're not in the other. We're not running the same campaign, and it's not fair to tell anyone else that's interested that we're full up, when we could still manage one or two more signups.
However, Thawmus, if you want to play as well and can make it when I run, you'd be welcome to play.
I'd have to think about it. Right now, I don't think so, just because that'd be 4 days out of my week that I'm playing D&D, which is just one too many. Appreciate the offer, though. :laugh:
Also. NO BUNNIES.
Hey now, he's a Wildkin. Don't make me take him! :disappointed:
malakim2099
08/13/2010, 17:22
I'm just asking, btw. It is not currently a requirement, or anything. Don't go buying a 20 dollar mic on my account.
In other news, I'm really thinking about starting my campaign in the Chaos Scar. Mal, thoughts?
Go for it, it wasn't where I was planning on setting up shop in any event. ;)
Still waffling on a location.
Go for it, it wasn't where I was planning on setting up shop in any event. ;)
Still waffling on a location.
Sweet. That's where I'll start off, then. It'll still be in a general setting, but the Chaos Scar has a gazillion pre-made encounters that I could tweak. That'd give me time to continue working on the overall mythos, which I could shape around who I've got playing in that game. Maybe even change the whole setting when they're done with it.
Robo-Onion
08/13/2010, 18:37
Depending on what time we do it, I could learn the map tools tonight.
Depending on what time we do it, I could learn the map tools tonight.
Probably in a few minutes or so.
charlesx
08/13/2010, 19:19
You there, Thawm????????
Where is the link?
SkyKushryd
08/13/2010, 19:50
I'd like to say that either of those times are good for me, but honestly both are pretty ####ing bad.
Friday is Clix, and very rarely am I available for anything on Sundays.
I'll keep an eye on this, and if I become more available, or times change, I'll say something, but for now both are pretty Dammit for me.
I'm really sorry Thaw, and everyone else, I was lookin' forward to this.
You there, Thawm????????
Where is the link?
I am not. I am being a huge slacker. And I need to put on some clothes.
I'd like to say that either of those times are good for me, but honestly both are pretty ####ing bad.
Friday is Clix, and very rarely am I available for anything on Sundays.
I'll keep an eye on this, and if I become more available, or times change, I'll say something, but for now both are pretty Dammit for me.
I'm really sorry Thaw, and everyone else, I was lookin' forward to this.
Those are just the days for my game. Mal doesn't know when he's running his yet. You're not out of luck yet.
https://my.dimdim.com/thawmus/
malakim2099
08/13/2010, 22:30
Those are just the days for my game. Mal doesn't know when he's running his yet. You're not out of luck yet.
Basically, it depends on when I get my schedule approved for. The hope is to basically work Tues-Thurs and Sat, 10 hour shifts. So I'd have Friday, Sunday, and Monday off. Of those three, I'd probably try to run Monday evenings.
IF I get the shift change. If I DON'T, then I probably drown myself in the bathtub. Fortunately, I don't have one, so I'd just have to try work out something as an alternative.
Robo-Onion
08/13/2010, 23:01
The MapTool had a host of issues, but eventually it worked.
thawmus i double-checked the char sheet. i would need the updates to see the newer feats. they just had the names and everything else was blank. i compared it to the pdf i was def missing info. :(
The MapTool had a host of issues, but eventually it worked.
Yeah. I'm fairly certain that it was all on my side. Not saying we won't run into problems with other peeps, but I think that was the majority of it.
Still not sure if I want to do MapTools or Gametable. Gametable is pretty much just a table. Upside is that it's simple. Downside is that it's a lot of drawing for some of these encounters.
We may end up using both, so I'm gonna make a link for both, and just have everyone install both.
thawmus i double-checked the char sheet. i would need the updates to see the newer feats. they just had the names and everything else was blank. i compared it to the pdf i was def missing info. :(
Okay. Thanks for trying, at least. Like I said in the Tools post, I can share my pass with 4 other people, so that's probably going to be what I'll do for my 4 most active players, and then if someone else gets it, we can share that out as well.
Basically, it depends on when I get my schedule approved for. The hope is to basically work Tues-Thurs and Sat, 10 hour shifts. So I'd have Friday, Sunday, and Monday off. Of those three, I'd probably try to run Monday evenings.
IF I get the shift change. If I DON'T, then I probably drown myself in the bathtub. Fortunately, I don't have one, so I'd just have to try work out something as an alternative.
Tell you what, for information's sake, let's find out about Monday mornings and evenings, as well.
Also, let me know when you try to make MapTools work, so I can help. Or, if you try and use Gametable. I see the merits with both.
Reposting this:
I would like everyone to categorize their availability, for me, based on Friday evenings, starting at 7 PM EST - 10 PM EST:
a. Solid - I'm here every week. Nothing's gonna stand in my way.
b. Pretty good - Might not make it sometimes, but for the most part, I'll be there.
c. Shaky - Expect it to be every other week
d. Oh Man - Once a month
e. Damnit - I'll be there like once every 3 months[/QUOTE]
Then, do it for Sunday afternoons, starting at 3 PM EST, going to 6 PM EST.
Then, for Monday mornings, and then, for Monday evenings.
So, when you're done, I should see this:
"Alright, I'm available:
Friday night: Damnit
Sunday afternoon: Solid
Monday morning: Oh Man
Monday night: Pretty Good"
From everyone that's on that list.
Mondays (all day): "Dammit" to "Oh Man".
Robo-Onion
08/14/2010, 12:09
Alright, I'm available:
Friday night: Damnit
Sunday afternoon: Pretty Good
Monday morning: Pretty Good until September 13, then Never
Monday night: Pretty Good
Robo-Onion
08/14/2010, 12:10
Unless the evening is 7-10 EST, then it's damnit. I have swim practice starting at 7 PM EST and I get home around 10 EST.
Rokk_Krinn
08/14/2010, 13:53
Friday Night: Oh Man
Sunday Afternoon: Shakey
Monday Morning: Pretty Solid
Monday Evening: Pretty Solid
(This may be changing pretty soon though, based on some things about which I'm waiting to be informed.)
I think what I'm going to do for my campaign, is definitely start in the Chaos Scar. But I won't really tell the players what the campaign setting is, until they're out of it. Or I'll tell them to pick one. Right now, I'd like to see Dark Sun release, and then find out more about it. I think having a campaign setting that's like Conan the Barbarian would be kinda cool. Or I'll go Forgotten Realms, and then only need one more book for my tools. Or I'll go Eberron after all. Who knows?
My Wed. DM asked me tonight if I could run the next Wednesday adventure, sorta tag him out so he could play a Leader character in our game, and so I could get some hands-on DMing. Which I told him: "Hell yeah!" And then when the adventure is over, I can just tag back in and play.
I'm thinking I'll probably just use a published adventure of some sort, and just modify it a little. That way I'm not spending a bunch of time on a game that's not this one.
Truffle Shuffle
08/15/2010, 21:20
Friday night: Shakey
Sunday afternoon: Never
Monday morning: Pretty Good
Monday night: Never
Few things:
1. I've updated the player breakdown. I've added Mondays, and also a list of those who have successfully connected to one another via maptools. I'd like to see all 13 people on that list at some point. I'll try and set up some times to work with people on this, so that we can get that out of the way ahead of time.
2. I'm reconsidering how open my schedule is, at the moment. I may be able to do Saturday afternoons, before my other session starts.
3. My Wed. game is turning into a bust. While I'm enjoying it, I found out yesterday that we won't be able to move it to a different day. So, come September, I'll be shy one weekly D&D session. Unless something miraculous happens. So.....more time will be spent on this campaign I'll be doing. So, great news for you guys, really really really sucky news for me and my Bard, and my really cool adventure that I was cooking up for that group.
4. I think I found a way to make King Cottontail's background awesome. More at 11.
Friday night - Dammit
Sunday afternoon - shaky
Monday morning - Never
Monday evening - shaky.
anonym0use
08/16/2010, 12:51
https://my.dimdim.com/thawmus/
This should totally be in the first or second post. :nervous:
4. I think I found a way to make King Cottontail's background awesome. More at 11.
Yesssssss.....
(Not that it wasn't already awesome, obviously.)
anonym0use
08/16/2010, 13:00
I'm curious - I'd like to play at some point, and I'd say I'll be a fairly stable, regular player - however (2 problems).
1 - I'm a seasonal gamer. Having moved to MN, I expect to pick up the books after the first foot of snow falls in late October and locks me in my cabin until April. Until then, I'm enjoying the surf and turf around Lake Calhoun.
2 - I'm a MAC user - no character builder for me (not that it's a problem). And yes, I know I can trick my Mac into running it, but I shouldn't have to format my computer to run one program. Plus, I'm just not a computer expert. That said, I can Ichat, have speakers and a mic, but wonder what other utilities I'd need to make it work.
This should totally be in the first or second post. :nervous:
No, no it shouldn't. It shouldn't really be posted at all, when you get down to it.
Yesssssss.....
(Not that it wasn't already awesome, obviously.)
The thing I've come up with will basically give you some free reign initially to be terribly stupid and silly, and then eventually evolve into something considerably more dramatic and awesome, yet still having room for silly and stupid things.
Also, I think it fleshes out a major quest that I'll eventually unleash upon you. And a terrible realization that you will either hate or endear.
I have plans for Mr. Cottontail. :devious:
I'm curious - I'd like to play at some point, and I'd say I'll be a fairly stable, regular player - however (2 problems).
1 - I'm a seasonal gamer. Having moved to MN, I expect to pick up the books after the first foot of snow falls in late October and locks me in my cabin until April. Until then, I'm enjoying the surf and turf around Lake Calhoun.
Don't worry about picking up books, at least not initially. So, that's not a problem. I kinda expect that as we go along, you guys might be interested in buying a book or two here or there for ideas, but as far as player options are concerned, the Character Builder has it covered.
2 - I'm a MAC user - no character builder for me (not that it's a problem). And yes, I know I can trick my Mac into running it, but I shouldn't have to format my computer to run one program.
Well, two things:
1. You can run a Windows Emulator. No formatting of your computer required. You have an icon that launches into a little window of a Windows platform, and you can run the character builder in there.
2. I use Web-conferencing for making characters, and we use mine, anyways. The Web-conferencing is extremely painless. I create a character with you, then I send you two files: The character file, in case you ever load up an updated version of character builder, and a PDF file of your character sheet, for you to print out and use.
The nice thing about Character Builder is that the character sheets it creates have Power Cards with them, which have everything you'll need. No book flipping mid-session, you just read your cards. I seriously don't bring my books to sessions. They're not necessary. Which kinda tells you why Wizards tries to make you pay for using their software instead.
Plus, I'm just not a computer expert. That said, I can Ichat, have speakers and a mic, but wonder what other utilities I'd need to make it work.
The real big one is MapTools, for now. I'm going to come up with some times this week that people can test it out.
Truffle Shuffle
08/16/2010, 13:39
Downloaded Maptools. Watched the little tutorial videos. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it after a bit.
@Rokk: I'm sure the GMs are going to be busy doing stuff so I'm likely going to hit you up as my advisor if you're around when I am. I know you're pretty savvy about this stuff. I'm sure you'll get tired of my questions after a while but you'll just have to persevere. :p It's likely going to take me a while to learn the ins and outs, so just be warned. :nervous: Thank you, luv ya, have I mentioned lately you're my best friend?
:)
anonym0use
08/16/2010, 15:20
No, no it shouldn't. It shouldn't really be posted at all, when you get down to it.
My bad. :cross-eye Seemed like reference material, but I can see your point.
Don't worry about picking up books, at least not initially. So, that's not a problem. I kinda expect that as we go along, you guys might be interested in buying a book or two here or there for ideas, but as far as player options are concerned, the Character Builder has it covered.
I think I misspoke - I have enough books to create characters - they just collect dust in the hot summery months. I actually prefer print media to tools accessible only online.
Well, two things:
1. You can run a Windows Emulator. No formatting of your computer required. You have an icon that launches into a little window of a Windows platform, and you can run the character builder in there.
Again - I don't really want to do this. I'm actually kind of peeved that I have to do this. Maybe some day soon, with all the ipads/iphones they'll wise up and broaden their market - but that's neither here nor there.
2. I use Web-conferencing for making characters, and we use mine, anyways. The Web-conferencing is extremely painless. I create a character with you, then I send you two files: The character file, in case you ever load up an updated version of character builder, and a PDF file of your character sheet, for you to print out and use.
Sounds good.
The nice thing about Character Builder is that the character sheets it creates have Power Cards with them, which have everything you'll need. No book flipping mid-session, you just read your cards. I seriously don't bring my books to sessions. They're not necessary. Which kinda tells you why Wizards tries to make you pay for using their software instead.
Yeah, I've used other player's tools and had them print me out my stuff when possible.
The real big one is MapTools, for now. I'm going to come up with some times this week that people can test it out.
My concern was having the tech specs necessary to communicate/link up with everyone. I'm not too concerned about it, except that I've never done it before. :classic:
MapTools will hopefully not be an issue. It's all Java based, so it SHOULD just work, regardless of platform.
I think one of my big things is coming up with a way to mark characters with status effects, without cluttering up the board, while still making the information very available to everyone.
In person, we have a tackle box full of assorted-by-color pop bottle rings (Y'know, the rings that seal the cap?), that we just throw on top of the different figures on the board. Works super-slick. Except we view the board not only from the top, but from the SIDE, which then makes sense.
Here, you're always looking at things from a top-down perspective. So if I were to stack a couple of rings on a character (which I can do, for the record), you would only see the top ring. I could use different symbols and so forth, but how long can you do that without running into problems?
What I really need is to figure out how to make a sheet or something, that's tracking these things, that's also visible. Or maybe it won't be a big deal. I don't know.
Wow, I got Rick Roll'd by the Chaos Scar DM Wiki.
The encounter title is:
Level 5
Rol of R'que
5A - An ancient bard of incredible power calls the innocent to his insidious trap.
* Official Page
* Wiki Page
Both pages, btw, just went to the youtube. Totally got me. :laugh:
sstralkowski
08/17/2010, 13:35
2. I would like everyone to categorize their availability, for me, based on Friday evenings, starting at 7 PM EST - 10 PM EST:
a. Solid - I'm here every week. Nothing's gonna stand in my way.
b. Pretty good - Might not make it sometimes, but for the most part, I'll be there.
c. Shaky - Expect it to be every other week
d. Oh Man - Once a month
e. Damnit - I'll be there like once every 3 months
I could do the occassional Friday Evening based on what time the in-laws leave. We usually have dinner with them every Friday. So say a C or D.
sstralkowski
08/17/2010, 13:36
Tell you what, do this for Sunday afternoons as well, starting at 3 PM EST and going to 6 PM EST
This is a no go for me. barely ever. Like once a year.
sstralkowski
08/17/2010, 13:53
Friday evenings - Pretty good but better after 8:30 EST (my kids' bedtime)
Sunday afternoons - Depends. Shaky. Usually all right.
Keep in mind that sessions are typically 3 hours, sometimes longer,
I'm thinking like 8pm EST as well. Especially with a 3hr session.
I have a mic! I'll check later tonight and see whether you are on or not.
:cool:
Wish I could figure out what's wrong with mine.
Basically, it depends on when I get my schedule approved for. The hope is to basically work Tues-Thurs and Sat, 10 hour shifts. So I'd have Friday, Sunday, and Monday off. Of those three, I'd probably try to run Monday evenings.
IF I get the shift change. If I DON'T, then I probably drown myself in the bathtub. Fortunately, I don't have one, so I'd just have to try work out something as an alternative.
Monday Night is a B/C for me while Monday morning is an E.
It's likely going to take me a while to learn the ins and outs, so just be warned. :nervous:
Now worries, mama. Same here.
I think one of my big things is coming up with a way to mark characters with status effects, without cluttering up the board, while still making the information very available to everyone.
In person, we have a tackle box full of assorted-by-color pop bottle rings (Y'know, the rings that seal the cap?), that we just throw on top of the different figures on the board. Works super-slick. Except we view the board not only from the top, but from the SIDE, which then makes sense.
Here, you're always looking at things from a top-down perspective. So if I were to stack a couple of rings on a character (which I can do, for the record), you would only see the top ring. I could use different symbols and so forth, but how long can you do that without running into problems?
What I really need is to figure out how to make a sheet or something, that's tracking these things, that's also visible. Or maybe it won't be a big deal. I don't know.
You need trivial pursuit wedges or something. Put the full wheel uner each character having a bit of each wedge sticking out from under the top-down view of the character.
Robo-Onion
08/17/2010, 19:27
Wow, I got Rick Roll'd by the Chaos Scar DM Wiki.
The encounter title is:
Level 5
Rol of R'que
5A - An ancient bard of incredible power calls the innocent to his insidious trap.
* Official Page
* Wiki Page
Both pages, btw, just went to the youtube. Totally got me. :laugh:
Clearly, this bard's power is tremendous.
You should totally turn this into an actual encounter, btw :squareeye
A Rick roll encounter. That'd be hilarious.
Ugh, so much damn work to set stuff up for MapTools ahead of time.
Really considering GameTable again.
thawmus you can add me as shaky for Monday mornings and solid for Monday nites. tho, i'm job hunting so that could change everything depending on what job i land but typically i look for standard 9-5 gigs. I'm thinking Monday nites would be the best for me. :)
Still need to hear from Sky on availability. Has he made another Realms disappearance?
Still need to hear from charles, Doom, and KO on Mondays.
Still need 11 more people to test MapTools out. I might be testing this a bit tonight, if anyone has time. GameTable as well.
Considering Monday nights, but it'd have to be every other Monday. My Wed D&D session is being switched with Thursday's Board Game Night, so now choir will only be getting in the way of my Board Gaming, until next summer. So, here's what my finalized schedule looks like:
Sunday - Church in the morning, then nothing
Monday - Work in the morning, then Doctor Who RPG every other week
Tuesday - Work late in the morning, come home late - Still a possibility, but I am usually exhausted
Wednesday - Work in the morning, Choir at night
Thursday - Work in the morning, D&D at night
Friday - Work in the morning, nothing at night
Saturday - On-call every 3rd week, bank is open until noon, after that, nothing until 5:30, then I have D&D that night
So, looking at this again, I still feel that Friday night is my best night for doing stuff, and is what I'm going to try and make work, the most. Sunday is also optimal, since I do nothing but my laundry that day, but then again it's nice to have a day off from everything. Then again, if I don't do this on Fridays, then I'm already getting that day off from everything. Tuesday nights are open, and the timing would be good for the rest of you (get home at 8 ET), but I am usually too hungry and tired to want to do much else than eat a sandwich and watch TV. There'd be no prep time. Also, I never get out of work on time. Saturday afternoon is still a possibility.
So, I would like for everyone to tell me about their Saturday afternoons (12 PM Central, 1 PM Eastern), and Tuesday Evenings (8:30 PM Eastern).
I never really considered that I was this busy. Guess I've been drawn into a lot of stuff this summer.
Truffle Shuffle
08/20/2010, 11:35
Saturday afternoon - somewhere around pretty good to shakey
Tuesday night - never
And I think I'll be around tonight if you are up for testing. Not sure what I have to do. Downloaded the program though.
KO Bossy
08/20/2010, 22:14
Mondays are fine. Really, any days that aren't Friday and Saturday are fine.
Robo-Onion
08/21/2010, 02:32
Both of those times are never. Damn time zones.
sstralkowski
08/23/2010, 08:41
Still need to hear from Sky on availability. Has he made another Realms disappearance?
Still need to hear from charles, Doom, and KO on Mondays.
Still need 11 more people to test MapTools out. I might be testing this a bit tonight, if anyone has time. GameTable as well.
Considering Monday nights, but it'd have to be every other Monday. My Wed D&D session is being switched with Thursday's Board Game Night, so now choir will only be getting in the way of my Board Gaming, until next summer. So, here's what my finalized schedule looks like:
Sunday - Church in the morning, then nothing
Monday - Work in the morning, then Doctor Who RPG every other week
Tuesday - Work late in the morning, come home late - Still a possibility, but I am usually exhausted
Wednesday - Work in the morning, Choir at night
Thursday - Work in the morning, D&D at night
Friday - Work in the morning, nothing at night
Saturday - On-call every 3rd week, bank is open until noon, after that, nothing until 5:30, then I have D&D that night
So, looking at this again, I still feel that Friday night is my best night for doing stuff, and is what I'm going to try and make work, the most. Sunday is also optimal, since I do nothing but my laundry that day, but then again it's nice to have a day off from everything. Then again, if I don't do this on Fridays, then I'm already getting that day off from everything. Tuesday nights are open, and the timing would be good for the rest of you (get home at 8 ET), but I am usually too hungry and tired to want to do much else than eat a sandwich and watch TV. There'd be no prep time. Also, I never get out of work on time. Saturday afternoon is still a possibility.
So, I would like for everyone to tell me about their Saturday afternoons (12 PM Central, 1 PM Eastern), and Tuesday Evenings (8:30 PM Eastern).
I never really considered that I was this busy. Guess I've been drawn into a lot of stuff this summer.
Every other Monday night would be awesome. Not too much of a committment required, but fits my schedule rather well. Saturdays and Tuesdays are a never. Weekends are family time and Tuesdays are geek night.
I'm not a fan of biweekly. Experience has taught me that nobody shows up for biweekly things.
Okay, seriously going to try and do some testing Friday. This weekend was a little unplanned. Went to a friend's house for grilling on Friday, then didn't come home until about midnight. Played the hell out of Monday Night Combat this weekend.
Meeting with my Wed. Night DM tonight, after our Doctor Who RPG session. He and I are going to determine when I'm temporarily taking over his session.
If it's soon - GoodNews/Badnews:
Good News: I'll get some 4th edition DMing experience under my belt, which will help me immensely with figuring out what I need in order to be comfortable with this.
Bad News: Delays. I'll probably hold off on starting our sessions a little longer, just so I am sure we'll get a good start.
If it's later -
Good News: No delays
Bad News: I'll be running it while I'm running this. Which isn't a problem, per se, it's just more work throughout the week for me. The key words you should look for are "work" and "me".
And yes, I know. You guys are probably rolling your eyes and huffing in frustration over the large amount of delaying and preparing and planning going on here. And I'm sorry about that. While a DM is supposed to be able to improvise, and believe me, I can improvise, you're also supposed to keep a game session moving. Improv typically doesn't keep a session moving. Planned stuff, does.
I'm almost of a mind to be all, "#### it, Friday night's the first session! Be there or be square!", and no, no, that is a really really really awful idea. We will spend the first two hours figuring out everyone's technical difficulties, then we will spend another hour figuring out a map and tokens, and then someone will join 2 hours late, wanting to test their program then. So, I'm sorta saying this to myself, as well as to the rest of you: Not gonna happen.
I also need to sorta hold off and wait for Mal a bit. I'm not saying I'll wait forever, but it would be nice if he and I could split the player pool evenly.
I really wish Friday night worked better for people. I'm looking at 3 consistent players, and then a whole bunch that aren't sure.
Truffle Shuffle
08/23/2010, 17:43
I'm not doing any of those things. Take your time and make it epic. :)
KO Bossy
08/23/2010, 19:40
Well, Friday's are usually one of 2 days in the week that I get to see my friends. I've been holing up in my room most of the summer, so when the opportunity to get out presents itself, I take it. Now with school starting, I'm not quite sure. It may still be friends night or it may be another work night. :ermm:
Robo-Onion
08/23/2010, 19:48
I have school on Fridays starting September 13. Really, thanks to the time difference, I can't do it in your "evening" slots, since that's right after school and I have swim practice.
sstralkowski
08/24/2010, 08:18
Sorry about the Friday "maybe" issue. Having to juggle a family is tough, and it's important to me to be a better father than mine was to me.
charlesx
08/24/2010, 08:38
Hey guys, I am back online after the whole new baby celebration. I have lots to catch up on, but Friday night should work just fine for me.
malakim2099
08/24/2010, 10:18
Oh, forgot to mention...
Right now:
Saturday afternoons - Solid
Monday mornings - Shaky
Monday Afternoons - Never
So if that helps...
charlesx
08/27/2010, 14:39
So are still on for tonight?
Anyone? Anyone?
Bueller?
:cheeky:
i definately couldnt do every friday, but i might be free for some. do you guys allow "guest" characters?
Rokk_Krinn
08/27/2010, 15:14
Starting in about mid-September, Monday evenings becomes almost a sure-thing for me.
Friday, on the other hand, pretty much dies horribly.
Was meaning to post something this morning, but OMG THIS WEEK! :eek:
So, here's the skinny:
1. Got my groups to switch stuff around. So, no loss of D&D for me.
2. I'm still leaning heavily toward Friday night. While this month is some strange anomaly, it usually stands that nobody screws with my Friday night. I understand that a lot of you are shaky on it, but here's the thing: It's gotta work for me, first and foremost. And on top of that, it really isn't going to work for everyone. No, not even the people that I actually like. So, if Friday's don't work for you, keep checking in for when Mal is going to run his game. It's important that he have enough players, and that I have enough players, or else we'll end up in a bad situation, anyways. Besides, he'll probably not procrastinate for his, like I always do, and so his will probably be more fun. [/selling you guys on Mal's game so that everyone can stop shooting for mine like it's diamonds] :laugh:
3. I'm crazy. I know, that's normal. But seriously, something's been wrong for the last couple weeks, and I haven't figured it out yet. My ability to pay attention to things, sleep, wake up, has been hindered significantly by something, and I don't know what. So....my preparations have slowed.
4. Tonight: I plan to test Gametable and MapTools a bit. I'll tell everything else to #### off, if it presents itself, unless it's my friend wanting to grieve, in which case I'll tell all you guys to #### off instead. No hard feelings.
When I'm ready, I will post a link to my DimDim. So, like, somewhere between 2 and 3 hours from now, I'll be ready.
Gah! I was all ready to try out Maptools, but since this is my birthday weekend...I won't be able to do it tonight/shouldn't try.
Aaaaaaaaand, yeah. Gonna go see my friend. Sorry guys. He could use the company. :(
charlesx
08/27/2010, 20:43
OK. Let the record show that I checked in nonetheless.
Hope your friend is doing okay, Thawm.
Peace out and g'night. Let's see if the newborn makes it possible to sleep.
Stepper79
08/28/2010, 14:58
I'll play PLease
Okay, software testing, for the next 2-3 hours, here.
I'll be doing some brainstorming/writing in my journal, so if I don't respond right away, don't get hurt feelings, I'm just inattentive as hell.
https://my.dimdim.com/thawmus/
Truffle Shuffle
08/28/2010, 15:47
Okay, software testing, for the next 2-3 hours, here.
I'll be doing some brainstorming/writing in my journal, so if I don't respond right away, don't get hurt feelings, I'm just inattentive as hell.
https://my.dimdim.com/thawmus/
Darn it! I'm getting ready to go out. If I had known, I would have made my plans for later. Some day our schedules will mesh. Not sure when, but I'm hopeful. :laugh:
Man, the more I toy with it, the more I like GameTable.
I think MapTools is cool, but I really hate configuring maps and stuff. With GameTable, it's just like the whiteboard. I can even use my USB pen on it. It's just a whole lot easier to do stuff in. When I sit down for a local game, it takes our DM like 5 minutes to draw the area we'll be in, rooms and tables and items accounted for. That's the kind of action and lack of BSing that I want for our online game. MapTools wants me to BS a whole bunch with it for several hours ahead of time. Which is great if you lock your players into a linear adventure, but I'm not going to do that, because I hate being stuck like that, as a player, and I would surmise you guys would too.
Downside is that GameTable isn't really worked on anymore. It was an open source project that you can find a download for from SourceForge, and we can make it work pretty easily, it's just that we shouldn't expect any new stuff to come out that makes stuff easier.
Just a heads up, I'm still on. Should be for the next hour.
Robo-Onion
08/31/2010, 00:15
Are you insinuating that we should head to this SourceForge and download this GameTable?
Are you insinuating that we should head to this SourceForge and download this GameTable?
I believe I now am. (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCUQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsourceforge.net%2Fprojects%2Fgametable%2F&ei=bPp8TNmPGaeCnAek7aCdCw&usg=AFQjCNEpWjPTOoiE0iH-v2Xkpj-8Sbv5Hg&sig2=dUa459q5ILQNhjD4RykljQ)
Sourceforge is currently down this morning, though.
charlesx
08/31/2010, 14:14
Thawmus, please let us know when your next available evening comes up.
I can't really go there during working hours, unfortunately.
Robo-Onion
08/31/2010, 14:19
I downloaded it. It runs.
Thawmus, please let us know when your next available evening comes up.
I can't really go there during working hours, unfortunately.
Well, late tonight, I should be available. We'll see. Friday night, again, I'm hoping to have free again.
That's....that's pretty much it.
Robo-Onion
08/31/2010, 14:38
Tonight I'm at a Green Day concert. We'll see about Friday, but I'll still be in San Diego.
Silver Lantern
08/31/2010, 14:41
Thawmus, have you guys considered using D20pro for this?
I have used it and it's pretty good.
I think the website is D20pro.com
Thawmus, have you guys considered using D20pro for this?
I have used it and it's pretty good.
I think the website is D20pro.com
It's not free, though. Which would be an immediate deterrent for most, I think.
Plus, you have to use purty maps, which I'd like to stray from. I like simple.
charlesx
08/31/2010, 14:46
Well, late tonight, I should be available. We'll see. Friday night, again, I'm hoping to have free again.
That's....that's pretty much it.
OK, let's shoot for Friday night, then.
Late nights during the week aren't easy when I get my sleep in 3-4 hour intervals (thanks to my baby daughter) and have a wake-up time of 4:30am to get ready for work.
Silver Lantern
08/31/2010, 15:03
It's not free, though. Which would be an immediate deterrent for most, I think.
Plus, you have to use purty maps, which I'd like to stray from. I like simple.
Do you have the software for it? Don't they offer free guest licenses or something? The best thing about it is that it simplifies combat to move it along and not be the usual drawn out thing you get in table top. Also you can track things like statuses of players using the software.
Truffle Shuffle
08/31/2010, 15:06
I should be around Friday night.
Do you have the software for it? Don't they offer free guest licenses or something? The best thing about it is that it simplifies combat to move it along and not be the usual drawn out thing you get in table top. Also you can track things like statuses of players using the software.
I'll check it out. Maybe tonight.
Right now, I'm kinda in love with DMScreen for statuses and such, mostly because I can load character builder files and monster builder files into it.
BTW, I'm kinda sorta not doing Chaos Scar anymore. Basically, I'm doing my own thing. We're going to be touching a lot of different themes at once, and it's going to be my own world.
It's going to be Thawmus' Heroes, with some rather significant alterations from the original campaign I had written. As in, I'm rewriting everything. This is going to be completely unique and different from what I had previously attempted.
To give you kids a little taste:
=========
You will be starting in a city named "Foulstone", which anyone who is fantasy-inclined in any sense can tell you: The ####ing dwarves are involved. It exists on the edge of a continent named, "The Dwarven Underconquer", which is essentially dark forest and swampland, inhabited by Trolls, Orcs, Goblins, Kobolds, and all sorts of other foul creatures. The Dwarves are actually taking over the land, a la Spanish Conquistadors, and in turn they have educated a large part of the local populace.
Foulstone is inhabited mostly by Goblins, Kobolds, and Orcs. The city is actually rather peaceful, mostly due to the extremely heavy-handed way the Dwarves handle lawbreaking - Death.
One of the most interesting features of the continent, and the city, is that the city is at the very Eastern edge of the continent, and is completely surrounded on the North, South, and East, with mountains. Inside the Eastern mountainside, there is an enclosed stone staircase, that goes on for miles and miles - about a 5 day journey - and eventually ends up at the rest of the world.
========
So, that's where my game will be starting off in, and I'm super excited about it, and I'm writing like crazy about more of this insane place I've concocted, so hopefully I can get a bunch more of you tested out on here.
I'd really like to start our first session sometime by September 17th. If that's not possible, so be it, but that's my "Soft date" for now.
Okay, for those that are around tonight:
https://my.dimdim.com/thawmus/
Well, nvm. I'm being dragged to XBL tonight. I'll catch some of you guys on Friday.
Okay, I think Charles, Ouch, and someone else had emailed me some changes they wanted to their character, and I think I sluffed that off for like....forever.
So....let me know if I ever got back to you on that. Or just show up on Friday, and we'll look it over again.
Also: No interest in my teaser? :(
charlesx
09/01/2010, 10:33
Also: No interest in my teaser? :(
Sounded pretty cool to me. Sorry I didn't chime in about it.
I am totally looking forward to it.
By the way, will we get in trouble if we go around Foulstone singing:
"Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to work we go!!!"
:cool:
Sounded pretty cool to me. Sorry I didn't chime in about it.
I am totally looking forward to it.
By the way, will we get in trouble if we go around Foulstone singing:
"Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to work we go!!!"
:cool:
It's the town anthem. They force the Orcs, Goblins, and Kobolds to sing along. They hate it.
Okay, not really, but you never know.
sstralkowski
09/02/2010, 13:51
BTW, I'm kinda sorta not doing Chaos Scar anymore. Basically, I'm doing my own thing. We're going to be touching a lot of different themes at once, and it's going to be my own world.
It's going to be Thawmus' Heroes, with some rather significant alterations from the original campaign I had written. As in, I'm rewriting everything. This is going to be completely unique and different from what I had previously attempted.
To give you kids a little taste:
=========
You will be starting in a city named "Foulstone", which anyone who is fantasy-inclined in any sense can tell you: The ####ing dwarves are involved. It exists on the edge of a continent named, "The Dwarven Underconquer", which is essentially dark forest and swampland, inhabited by Trolls, Orcs, Goblins, Kobolds, and all sorts of other foul creatures. The Dwarves are actually taking over the land, a la Spanish Conquistadors, and in turn they have educated a large part of the local populace.
Foulstone is inhabited mostly by Goblins, Kobolds, and Orcs. The city is actually rather peaceful, mostly due to the extremely heavy-handed way the Dwarves handle lawbreaking - Death.
One of the most interesting features of the continent, and the city, is that the city is at the very Eastern edge of the continent, and is completely surrounded on the North, South, and East, with mountains. Inside the Eastern mountainside, there is an enclosed stone staircase, that goes on for miles and miles - about a 5 day journey - and eventually ends up at the rest of the world.
========
So, that's where my game will be starting off in, and I'm super excited about it, and I'm writing like crazy about more of this insane place I've concocted, so hopefully I can get a bunch more of you tested out on here.
I'd really like to start our first session sometime by September 17th. If that's not possible, so be it, but that's my "Soft date" for now.
Think you meant Western. Aside from that, It sounds awesome. I love the swamp and dark forest areas. Looking forward to some Hobbitesque spider fights.
Ouchmaker
09/02/2010, 14:09
Well, my grandfather has his birthday next monday, so we'll (me and my parents and my brother) are going there for the weekend, unfortunately they lack in internet, and we leave either tomorrow night or saturday morning for me, so I'm going to have to pass on this Friday, but the one after that sounds good.
No, it's Eastern.
I intend to draw a map, although I'd really like for someone to try and get a peek off the side of the continent and have their will defense attacked as they try to tell everyone else what they see. :laugh:
Basically, think of the world as being flat. Now imagine that at the edge, there's mountains all around. Inside one of these mountain ranges, there is a staircase that goes down for a 5 day journey, that ends up at yet another flat world, surrounded by mountains.
That other flat world, is where you're starting. The Dwarven Underconquer.
Yes, it's ridiculous. :laugh:
*Makes a break for said staircase*
*Makes a break for said staircase*
"Okay, session over. See you guys next week."
Truffle Shuffle
09/02/2010, 14:38
*Makes a break for said staircase*
Excuse me little bunny rabbit, do it with style.
*sashays over to said staircase*
Excuse me little bunny rabbit, do it with style.
*sashays over to said staircase*
This.
I want this Rogue in my cult/adventuring group. Even if he/she does have more charisma than I do. :p
In all honesty, since K.C. is looking at things from the perspective of a bunny trapped in a Wildkin's body, I kinda imagine that from time to time that he breaks out and does things that don't fit at all.
So, for example, when he breaks for the staircase, everyone would see this 5'3" Wildkin suddenly get on all fours and bunny hop like crazy to that staircase. Someone would probably make an off-the-cuff comment about how Wildkins are ####ing insane.
Robo-Onion
09/02/2010, 23:37
I want to shadow step past Truffle into the next realm. And skin some rabbits with a dagger. :devious:
Here we go, kids:
https://my.dimdim.com/thawmus/
Guess who just one-shotted CharlesX?
Respect the Bunny. :cool:
Truffle Shuffle
09/04/2010, 00:42
The bunny is not a team player. I will say it again. You. Suck.
That bunny is a healer! He is, by definition, a team player. :p
Truffle Shuffle
09/04/2010, 10:44
So what? You'll be spending half your time inflicting pain on your teammates and the other half healing them? :laugh:
Unrelated, the Rogue is merciless. Doesn't matter if you are bloodied and down to your last breath, I will stomp you into the ground for the shear pleasure of it. Mwahahaha. (Oh, that doesn't sound very true neutral, does it? :grin:)
Well, I'm glad you guys had fun and learned a bit about the game last night. Though I wasn't prepared to do that for you, but I guess it all worked out okay.
In a real encounter, there would be some variation on the different monsters, there would probably be some minions (Guys with 1 HP each), and King Cottontail wouldn't be perfectly okay with downing the whole party in one shot. :laugh:
However, I do need to mention that going down like Charles did, is a perfectly normal thing that will happen in any encounter. And hopefully that was a wake-up for those who have never played D&D - It is very much a game of survival. Your character could die in any encounter I provide for you. That risk has to be present, in order for you to be sufficiently challenged. Some encounters are harder than others, but it's always wise to treat combat encounters seriously. If you die, your party can bring you back to life, sure, but it will cost them gobs of money, and you'll have all sorts of fun penalties for a while. And, of course, if you die, the chances your party will be victorious in their current fight are slim.
In any case, we had 5 people show up last night. Next week, I'm going to try and get this going again, see who can show up, try and test out gametable for those who haven't tried it yet, and test out some VOIP software I found as well.
I'm also investigating some character sheet software, because as Truffle noted, Gametable is very very basic in its design (which I love), but it lacks the ease-of-play stuff as a result.
Truffle Shuffle
09/04/2010, 11:07
Get the wording right, I asked if it would be pretty. :laugh:
Get the wording right, I asked if it would be pretty. :laugh:
Well, you asked about note-taking first, which is something MapTools made very accessible.
But yeah, probably not going to make it pretty. Pretty is an option, that I might dive into from time to time, but it really creates way more work than is necessary.
Tyro kinda nailed it on the head last night, too. It's got that vinyl map feel to it, where I can just draw on it, which is just awesome.
UPDATE! - I have updated the front page links. So, if you're looking for something to do, check out some of the stuff I've added.
So what? You'll be spending half your time inflicting pain on your teammates and the other half healing them? :laugh:
Unrelated, the Rogue is merciless. Doesn't matter if you are bloodied and down to your last breath, I will stomp you into the ground for the shear pleasure of it. Mwahahaha. (Oh, that doesn't sound very true neutral, does it? :grin:)
It helps that almost everything I did granted you combat advantage. :cheeky: :p
Robo-Onion
09/05/2010, 04:46
4 PM is way too early for me. :( I can't really do weekdays if it's going to be so early.
4 PM is way too early for me. :( I can't really do weekdays if it's going to be so early.
I don't know when we're actually starting, man.
This was a thing, where I was going to be online all night long, so that people could join up and test Gametable. And it went from 6 PM CST to 12 AM CST
charlesx
09/07/2010, 08:04
Hey guys, sorry I had to run off on Friday night. I did not get back to a computer until this morning.
Thawmus, thanks for hosting the demo game. That was great fun (in spite of being brought down by friendly fire)!!
I am looking forward to this coming Friday. Lots of good times ahead!
charlesx
09/07/2010, 08:05
Guess who just one-shotted CharlesX?
Respect the Bunny. :cool:
Revenge token on the wascawwy wabbit!!! :angry:
:cheeky::cheeky:
:cool:
sstralkowski
09/07/2010, 13:33
I can't wait until Sunday when I should finally be free to test some of this stuff out. Adam, any chance you'll be free at some point Sunday to hook me up with a test run before the regular Friday stuff starts?
charlesx
09/07/2010, 13:45
I can't wait until Sunday when I should finally be free to test some of this stuff out. Adam, any chance you'll be free at some point Sunday to hook me up with a test run before the regular Friday stuff starts?
Pssst... you planning on using a time machine? Friday comes before Sunday in my calendar. Just saying.
:cheeky:
I can't wait until Sunday when I should finally be free to test some of this stuff out. Adam, any chance you'll be free at some point Sunday to hook me up with a test run before the regular Friday stuff starts?
Yeah, I should be around on Sunday. Let me know what time works for you.
Pssst... you planning on using a time machine? Friday comes before Sunday in my calendar. Just saying.
:cheeky:
He's talking about our actual game sessions, which won't start for another couple weeks here. I'm still just testing software and getting the kinks out.
And, I need some more time for preparing. I've literally done nothing for a few days now.
charlesx
09/07/2010, 14:44
And, I need some more time for preparing. I've literally done nothing for a few days now.
Ah! Then you are planning on using a time machine after all.
Works for me.
Carry on. :cool:
Robo-Onion
09/07/2010, 22:59
I can probably make it on Sunday for a demo as well.
charlesx
09/10/2010, 07:32
So, we doing this thing tonight or not?
(I hear that Wabbit Season started yesterday!)
Truffle Shuffle
09/10/2010, 08:06
I'll be around if needed. Probably late to the party again, but at some point there. :)
Yep, tonight's going to be a little Gametable, a lot of voice software, and going over characters, making sure I've got everything you guys wanted to change.
prob won't make tonite, cousin's wedding. may check in if we get back early enough. :)
BTW, probably gonna cut it off right around 9 or so, gonna go to my friend's house and play Ra or perhaps watch some Doctor Who with them.
Ouchmaker
09/10/2010, 18:15
I'll just put this here:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rtOXMZlMTkg/S6GWWOPLImI/AAAAAAAAC10/w46NMp9MxMo/s640/Wabbit_Season_by_Beanjamish.jpg
Oh, hi get_1.
Truffle Shuffle
09/10/2010, 18:39
:laugh: :laugh:
Here we go:
https://my.dimdim.com/thawmus/
Robo-Onion
09/11/2010, 04:41
Did anything go down? I was unavailable.
Stan took his pants off. Thawmus is afraid of pedophiles. Earl suffered his wrath.
You know, same old same old...
Truffle Shuffle
09/11/2010, 12:13
get pretended to be in a coffee shop as an excuse for him not to try out the mic. :cheeky:
sstralkowski
09/11/2010, 13:52
get pretended to be in a coffee shop as an excuse for him not to try out the mic. :cheeky:
I WISH I could get my mic to work. Cause you KNOW my typing skills are going to get unintelligible when i start trying to type quickly to keep the game moving. It worked on ventrilo on my old PC, but not now.
Ouchmaker
09/12/2010, 11:32
I was pretty ready to join friday night, but then my girlfriend came for the night and.... I was busy.
charlesx
09/13/2010, 07:11
Sorry I couldn't make it last night, fellas. Too much family entertaining over the weekend. Fell asleep right after the second half of the Redskins game started. Oh well. At least Dallas lost. :)
Wait, we did something last night? :laugh:
In all seriousness, I was away all day and night. It just wasn't possible to get on. :ermm:
charlesx
09/13/2010, 10:22
Wait, we did something last night? :laugh:
In all seriousness, I was away all day and night. It just wasn't possible to get on. :ermm:
Oh, I didn't miss anything, then. Someone mentioned a Sunday night session. I thought it happened last night. I thought wrong.
Oh, I didn't miss anything, then. Someone mentioned a Sunday night session. I thought it happened last night. I thought wrong.
I had intended to hook up with Stan to catch him up to speed.
Robo-Onion
09/13/2010, 19:00
There is potential in Sunday nights.
There is potential in Sunday nights.
I'm running my game on Friday nights. It's pretty much final.
All of a sudden, I just became free this Friday. Campaign should start! :p
Robo-Onion
09/14/2010, 02:07
Well, have fun then.
All of a sudden, I just became free this Friday. Campaign should start! :p
Nah, I need another week. This week was a null week when it comes to campaign planning. As in, none occurred. :(
sstralkowski
09/15/2010, 10:05
I suck. That is all.
charlesx
09/15/2010, 10:06
I suck. That is all.
OK, Stan - what electronic appliance did you break this time?
:laugh:
malakim2099
09/16/2010, 12:04
Hello adventurers. Look at your cleric, now back to me, now back at your cleric, now back to me. Sadly, he isn't me. But if he stopped using dusty old hymnals and switched to Old Incense he could pray like he's me. Look down, now back up. Where are you? You're in a dungeon with a cleric that your cleric could pray like. What's in your hand? Back at me. I have it. It's an oyster with two rings of protection +5. Look again. The rings are now periapts of wisdom +6. Anything is possible when your cleric prays with Old Incense and not dusty hymnals. I'm on a dragon.
charlesx
09/17/2010, 08:23
Is there anything going on tonight?
Unfortunately, I won't be able to make next Friday night.
A good friend of mine is flying in from London and is staying with us for the weekend.
Is there anything going on tonight?
Unfortunately, I won't be able to make next Friday night.
A good friend of mine is flying in from London and is staying with us for the weekend.
I'd like to go over each character for people who are going to be playing in my game, and finalize them. I'd also like to get a little more comfortable with Gametable and GSC.
charlesx
09/17/2010, 09:55
I'd like to go over each character for people who are going to be playing in my game, and finalize them. I'd also like to get a little more comfortable with Gametable and GSC.
In that case, I'll definitely be there tonight. As always, closer to 9pm EST, given my kids' bedtime and all that stuff.
I'll bring the chips and dip!
:cool:
I'm also going to see if I can record our session. I may just use Audacity to do it, but if GSC can handle it, all the better.
The recordings won't be publicly available, btw. It'll be for players only, and will be specifically geared so that absent players can grab it and catch up on their MP3 player or something.
Truffle Shuffle
09/17/2010, 11:22
I won't be available tonight.
charlesx
09/17/2010, 11:33
I won't be available tonight.
Truff done stood us up for a hot date.
Can't say I blame her.
:p:cool:
Okay, I'm finally at my computer.
Rather than start up with a DimDim session tonight, I'm gonna start it off with GSC. So, for those of you who have already tested it, just log into my server like before.
For those of you who have not, take this link:
http://www.getgsc.com/gsc/downloads/
Install it, register, log in, and then add "Thawmus" to your friends. I'll take it from there.
Okay, so, tonight was kinda a bust, but I know everyone had other stuff going on, so that's okay.
Next Friday, at 7:00 PM CST (8:00 EST, 5:00 PCT), we will be having our first actual session.
Here is what you need, if you are going to be there:
1. Have your character made with me using Character Builder (This is pretty much done for everyone). If you have changes, now is the time to ask me to make them. Anything from here on out will be retraining, and won't be possible until you hit Level 2.
2. Have your software tested with me. The two softwares you need are Gametable and GSC. Links can be found on the front page of this thread. If you have not done this yet, please PM me ASAP with times you are available, preferably in the evening. Thus far, the only ones who have both softwares tested and going are Truffles, get_1, and charles. Gonna need more than that for a truly successful session. Please hit me up before Friday. I do not want to be installing software when we're supposed to be playing. I will be super angry if that happens. What I'm telling you is: Don't be that guy.
3. Your character sheet. I don't care if you have it printed off or if you're using some character sheet software, but have it available. You need to have it easily accessible while you are talking to the rest of us. Fumbling through your stuff is not only permissible, it's expected. Just make sure you actually have it.
My suggestion would be to have it printed off. Especially if you want to have that good ol' Pen and Paper RPG feel to the whole thing.
4. Most important - Great attitude. Come ready to play a roleplaying game, where you are going to dive into your character's skin. Try and be patient as your horribly newbish DM tries to figure out how to hook you into the next prepared section. Don't be a difficult person, but don't be a yes man either. Meet me halfway. Don't embark on a quest for 1 GP a piece just because that's what the DM gave you to do. Heckle the cheap bastard that's got the gall to send you out to your deaths for 1 GP a piece. Try to turn the noncombat encounter into a combat encounter, or vice versa. Figure out where the hidden rewards are at, and try to attain them. I'll give you XP for killing a bunch of Kobolds, but I'll probably reward you for killing one and waving him like a flag to scare the others away. Of course, now I won't, because it'd be unoriginal. You unoriginal people. Just try and remember to have fun. :classic:
Yknow, alternatively, if you can't find a good time this week to get your software tested when I'm available, you can ask any of the others to do it, they should be able to do the same. Truffles, Charles, Ouch, and get_1 have each tested everything.
I'm reiterating, if you do not have this stuff ready by Friday, you are not playing on Friday. There won't be enough time for it. So, if nothing else, at least PM me so that we can work something out.
Just a reminder, Charles will not be here this Friday.
So, I'd like to see at least one more person get their stuff tested before then.
Also, an announcement: I will be on vacation October 8th, so we will not have a session then.
sstralkowski
09/20/2010, 13:21
*Pokes Stan*
Doin my best, bro. Just an FYI though, I'll likely only be able to make about half of these sessions. And if life keeps doing what it has been to me, even less. Sucks cause other nights aren't that bad for me.
Doin my best, bro. Just an FYI though, I'll likely only be able to make about half of these sessions. And if life keeps doing what it has been to me, even less. Sucks cause other nights aren't that bad for me.
If you think you'll be able to make this week, we really need to get your software going.
I'm pretty free tonight.
In local game news, I retired my Kalashtar Battlemind this weekend. We defeated a guy who had been a large part of my background, we saved my people from oppression, my new allies would need my people to join them in war, my people needed a leader, and I had succeeded in doing what I had set out to do in the first place. So, I hung up my gear, became the High General of Adar (It's pretty much a Military State, so that's a good way for me to go), and then retired the character as an NPC.
So, now, I'm trying to also come up with my new character for Saturdays. Torn between an Elf Avenger of Kord, and a Warforged Brawler Fighter. My DM would really like it if I made a character that I wouldn't inherently want to retire after a short period of time.
I don't think he understands that this is not a thing I am capable of doing. I've got more level 1 characters in RPGs than you could possibly imagine.
sstralkowski
09/20/2010, 22:57
Ok, so it's late and yet again, I didn't get to everything I wanted to. I did download and install the software. Now I just need to make some time this week to test it out.
Ok, so it's late and yet again, I didn't get to everything I wanted to. I did download and install the software. Now I just need to make some time this week to test it out.
You got Gametable and GSC, then?
Late tonight, I should be available. Otherwise, you'll have to ask someone else to help you test it tomorrow or Thursday.
sstralkowski
09/21/2010, 22:59
You got Gametable and GSC, then?
Late tonight, I should be available. Otherwise, you'll have to ask someone else to help you test it tomorrow or Thursday.
Was geek night tonight. Helping a friend fix his PC tomorrow. Maybe I can get Truff, Kevin, or Chaz to help me test on Thursday.
Random question. Let's assume I'm not available right at 8pm on a given Friday. If I show up at 9 what would happen? What if I give advanced notice of this?
charlesx
09/22/2010, 07:18
Was geek night tonight. Helping a friend fix his PC tomorrow. Maybe I can get Truff, Kevin, or Chaz to help me test on Thursday.
I am free tomorrow night, though I may need a couple of instructions on how to help you test your software (okay, Thawmus?)
As far as starting at 8pm EST sharp, I can make no assurances given that I only free up after the girls have gone to bed - and kids don't always run well on schedule. Just saying, is all.
Was geek night tonight. Helping a friend fix his PC tomorrow. Maybe I can get Truff, Kevin, or Chaz to help me test on Thursday.
Random question. Let's assume I'm not available right at 8pm on a given Friday. If I show up at 9 what would happen? What if I give advanced notice of this?
It really depends on what the party is doing. Couldn't say for sure. Obviously I'd try and throw you in there somehow, but that's not always very smooth.
sstralkowski
09/22/2010, 10:51
As far as starting at 8pm EST sharp, I can make no assurances given that I only free up after the girls have gone to bed - and kids don't always run well on schedule. Just saying, is all.
That's my issue exactly. Fridays are dinner with the in-laws. They sometimes stay until 9-ish.
As for tonight, It's a no go. Gotta help a friend fix his PC. How about someone for tomorrow night?
charlesx
09/22/2010, 10:54
I am free tomorrow night, though I may need a couple of instructions on how to help you test your software (okay, Thawmus?)
Stan, this.
That is all.
:cool:
sstralkowski
09/22/2010, 11:00
Stan, this.
That is all.
:cool:
Ah, didn't realize you posted that today. I thought you posted it last night. teaches me to look closer. Thanks, man. If Thawmus can give us an idea what we're looking for, I'm game.
Rock--><--Hard Place
Since we've got people coming from various time zones, including overseas, I'm going to want to start at 8 PM ET. It's not an issue for me, personally, to push it back. You guys are an hour ahead of me, and my wife will not be kicking my ### for going to bed late. :laugh:
It's more an issue of who we end up inconveniencing by doing that. If it's nobody, great. If it's a bunch of people, then that's not cool.
Another problem with starting late, is that the session will not end until midnight, ET.
I'd prefer to play it by ear this week, see how bad it really is. We'd also have everyone in one place at one time, to discuss this.
Oh, right, testing.
Well, testing GSC is pretty simple. Once you get signed on and everything, Charles just needs to add you as a friend, you need to add me as a friend, and you guys need to ensure that you can hear each other (Stan, I think your mic probably works, nobody had luck with DimDim).
For Gametable, Charles needs to Host, go to whatismyip.com to find his IP address, and feed that to you, along with whatever password he decides to use (Mine will always be "HCR", all caps), and the port number. That info will be available to him when he fills in his information for hosting.
If you guys have difficulty tomorrow night with Gametable, Charles will need to do this:
1. Host the game.
2. Go to canyouseeme.org, and then plug in the port # he's using. If it can't see him, it's just something with his firewall. If that's the case, he can either try and troubleshoot it by port forwarding, or you guys can throw your hands up at your moderate success and wait for Friday to find out if Stan's Gametable works or not. That would be acceptable.
The main thing is getting GSC going, so that I can yell at you for being computer illiterate.
BTW, for your initial connection, Charles, don't be afraid to use DimDim. It's free, and signing up on there is super easy. You'd only have to PM Stan with the link.
Or you guys could just call each other, or something.
charlesx
09/22/2010, 12:20
BTW, for your initial connection, Charles, don't be afraid to use DimDim. It's free, and signing up on there is super easy. You'd only have to PM Stan with the link.
Or you guys could just call each other, or something.
I'll see what I can do to figure it out. We'll blunder through it somehow.
:cool:
sstralkowski
09/22/2010, 14:59
Rock--><--Hard Place
Since we've got people coming from various time zones, including overseas, I'm going to want to start at 8 PM ET. It's not an issue for me, personally, to push it back. You guys are an hour ahead of me, and my wife will not be kicking my ### for going to bed late. :laugh:
It's more an issue of who we end up inconveniencing by doing that. If it's nobody, great. If it's a bunch of people, then that's not cool.
Another problem with starting late, is that the session will not end until midnight, ET.
I'd prefer to play it by ear this week, see how bad it really is. We'd also have everyone in one place at one time, to discuss this.
Understood. Would it be too tough to do 2hr sessions from 9-11? I mean if we run over a bit no worries, but is it set at a 3hr session? I know I'm being a complete PITA, but my life is what it is. My kids wake up 5:30-6am no matter what time they go to bed.
Oh, right, testing.
Well, testing GSC is pretty simple. Once you get signed on and everything, Charles just needs to add you as a friend, you need to add me as a friend, and you guys need to ensure that you can hear each other (Stan, I think your mic probably works, nobody had luck with DimDim).
For Gametable, Charles needs to Host, go to whatismyip.com to find his IP address, and feed that to you, along with whatever password he decides to use (Mine will always be "HCR", all caps), and the port number. That info will be available to him when he fills in his information for hosting.
If you guys have difficulty tomorrow night with Gametable, Charles will need to do this:
1. Host the game.
2. Go to canyouseeme.org, and then plug in the port # he's using. If it can't see him, it's just something with his firewall. If that's the case, he can either try and troubleshoot it by port forwarding, or you guys can throw your hands up at your moderate success and wait for Friday to find out if Stan's Gametable works or not. That would be acceptable.
The main thing is getting GSC going, so that I can yell at you for being computer illiterate.
:laugh:
BTW, for your initial connection, Charles, don't be afraid to use DimDim. It's free, and signing up on there is super easy. You'd only have to PM Stan with the link.
Or you guys could just call each other, or something.
We could call each other. I've got enough minutes to spare and can set it to speakerphone for the half hour or so.
Understood. Would it be too tough to do 2hr sessions from 9-11? I mean if we run over a bit no worries, but is it set at a 3hr session? I know I'm being a complete PITA, but my life is what it is. My kids wake up 5:30-6am no matter what time they go to bed.
I would be.....hesitant....to run a short session like that.
Here's the thing: In a perfect D&D world, you have about 1 encounter per hour. That's not really happening, as I think you'll find out, because there are rules questions, learning periods, conversations, eating, cooking, putting the kids to bed, etc. But, let's pretend that it does.
Going from level 1, to 30, takes about 300 encounters worth of XP. With 3 hour sessions, as I'm currently planning on running, we will be there in a little more than 2 years from now. Factor in what I was just saying about encounters not truly occurring once per hour, and it's much longer. Take an hour away from each session, and it's more than 3 years from now, when you guys hit 30.
Now, if this is a raging success, and we keep this going for a good long while, and you guys really embrace your epic destiny quests and really want to do this, those 3+ years will be a ton of fun, and completely worth it. I foresee a lot of character and build regret coming down the pipe, and changing characters because you want to play something else is a totally normal thing.(I want to stress this, especially for older D&D players), and, who knows? 6 months from now, you guys might be craving a different campaign and adventuring party altogether. Maybe Friday Nights stop working for me, and we have to do something else. Who knows?
The point I'm trying to illustrate here is that we need to ensure we're getting our adventurin' fix in. Could we do a 2 hour session? Absolutely. Will you feel like you're progressing quickly enough in the game? Not at all.
Heck, I don't feel like we get enough done in our 3 hour local sessions. In short, I'm only doing 2 hour sessions if I really, really, really, really have to.
Tyro will be there tomorrow night as well. So we won't be without a Defender. However, he has not tested GSC, and he will also be late to the party this week.
Charles, I asked him to get in touch with you. Maybe he can test GSC tonight as well while you're getting Stan set up.
charlesx
09/23/2010, 09:31
Tyro will be there tomorrow night as well. So we won't be without a Defender. However, he has not tested GSC, and he will also be late to the party this week.
Charles, I asked him to get in touch with you. Maybe he can test GSC tonight as well while you're getting Stan set up.
Sounds good to me. All three of us are on the East Coast, so the scheduling should not be difficult.
I'll drop them a PM so that we can coordinate.
Sounds good to me. All three of us are on the East Coast, so the scheduling should not be difficult.
I'll drop them a PM so that we can coordinate.
Awesome. Thanks man. :classic:
charlesx
09/23/2010, 09:48
Awesome. Thanks man. :classic:
NP. Least I can do to contribute to the war effort, given that I will be AWOL on Friday night. :cool:
Oh, and as an aside - 2 hours is a very short period of time for a gaming session. You'll see why once we get going. 3 hours is a good compromise, though personally I'd prefer a 4 hour session. I agree with going with 3 and seeing how it goes. (Also, in the online interaction that we have had so far there has been enough flexibility for bathroom breaks, etc., to seem to me that we can make it work.)
NP. Least I can do to contribute to the war effort, given that I will be AWOL on Friday night. :cool:
Oh, and as an aside - 2 hours is a very short period of time for a gaming session. You'll see why once we get going. 3 hours is a good compromise, though personally I'd prefer a 4 hour session. I agree with going with 3 and seeing how it goes. (Also, in the online interaction that we have had so far there has been enough flexibility for bathroom breaks, etc., to seem to me that we can make it work.)
Yeah, I'm a big fan of 4-6 hour gaming sessions, personally. But none of my current campaigns run that long. They're all 3 hours. :ermm:
Back when I played 3.5, our sessions were about 6-8 hours long. But, in all honesty, we got a lot less done in one session then, than we do now. Lots of looking #### up in the books, kids that didn't pay attention, etc.
FINAL NOTES FOR EVERYONE!:
Please be sure to have your character sheet somehow available to you tomorrow. I highly suggest printing it off. Some players cut out the cards, some people don't. I do for some characters, and don't for others. It is nice to just flip over a card when you've used a power, so you know you can't use it again. However, if you play a Wizard (Stan), cutting out 3000 cards and managing them is a total pain in the ###, and keeping them on sheets is easier.
Either is 100x easier than looking crap up.
Have something to write on! I will most likely be doling out a great deal of information this week especially. At least two people should write down all of this information.
Someone should also manage the "group fund". It is highly recommended that while you adventure, that you just pile all of the money together until you come back to town. The reason? In the 8-10 encounters I have planned for you before you level, I have 8-10 "parcels" of treasure I'm going to be doling out, sporadically. Some of those parcels are magic items. Here's what you need to know and understand about this: Magic items I give you, are always going to be more powerful than the stuff you can buy. You cannot buy nor create any magic item that is above your level. However, the stuff I give you? Commonly several levels above yours.
In fact, I'll just tell you now, that a level 5 magic item will make its way to your group before you guys hit level 2. In order to make it fair amongst the group, it's typically best to add the value of these items to the "group fund", then spread it evenly, then subtract the value of the magic items each person received from their share. It doesn't always math out evenly, I assure you, but it is the fairest way to do it. When you have 1000 gold to spread between 6 players, and one of them has a magic item worth 1800 gold, he should not get any of that gold. Of course, there will be variables and such, and you guys will be a party, so you should figure some of this out yourselves, but I find that this information and advice was missing when I started out in 4th Edition, and I would have welcomed it.
I should also mention that when I make my parcels, I'm kinda planning the magic items so that they're things you guys would actually want to use.
Tyro should not be horribly surprised if you guys find a Vigilant Blade, Stan should not be shocked if he receives a super-powered implement, Charles should not be overwhelmed if he receives Veteran's Armor, etc.
Granted, it'll not be so many magic items that you will all have one, initially, but in general I'm not going to pick something out for you that you'll have second thoughts about. Sometimes I will on purpose, and that's mostly so that you guys can use the Transfer Enchantment Ritual to something someone can actually use.
charlesx
09/23/2010, 10:59
Tyro should not be horribly surprised if you guys find a Vigilant Blade, Stan should not be shocked if he receives a super-powered implement, Charles should not be overwhelmed if he receives Veteran's Armor, etc.
Oooo! How about having a Deck of Many Things?? :cool:
sstralkowski
09/23/2010, 11:15
Noted about the 2hr session. Ideally, I'd love to try an all day thing some time (maybe WWE 2011), but I'll do my best to be a relaible player in the group we've got now.
I should also mention that when I make my parcels, I'm kinda planning the magic items so that they're things you guys would actually want to use.
Tyro should not be horribly surprised if you guys find a Vigilant Blade, Stan should not be shocked if he receives a super-powered implement, Charles should not be overwhelmed if he receives Veteran's Armor, etc.
Granted, it'll not be so many magic items that you will all have one, initially, but in general I'm not going to pick something out for you that you'll have second thoughts about. Sometimes I will on purpose, and that's mostly so that you guys can use the Transfer Enchantment Ritual to something someone can actually use.
Magic Carrot?
Also, Charles, I'll think of you this Friday everytime I unleash the Swaerm of Bunnies. :sleep:
charlesx
09/23/2010, 11:21
Magic Carrot?
Also, Charles, I'll think of you this Friday everytime I unleash the Swaerm of Bunnies. :sleep:
I still have it in for you, just for that. ;)
Every session from now on will start with the words, "Hey guys, remember when that chump CharlesX got one-shotted and dropped like a sack of bricks?"
:p
Oooo! How about having a Deck of Many Things?? :cool:
In 3.5 and previously, I would say "Yes", because if you feel like killing your character, whatever.
In 4th edition, I would say "Yes", because the properties of the deck is entirely different now. Now you can use it as a tome implement, it gives you an encounter and daily power, prevents you from ever being dominated, and Chaos Sorcerors can use it as an implement if they want. It is not the campaign ruiner of old. However, it is still an artifact, and thus, I'd have to give it to you for you to have it. And I don't think Stan uses Tomes, and he's the only one thus far that can use them.
So, I'd probably not give you one, just because you couldn't use it. Should that change due to multiclass feats or because we get a new player that uses them, I'd consider it.
It's a Paragon level item, too, so you have a ways to go before you'd ever see it.
Noted about the 2hr session. Ideally, I'd love to try an all day thing some time (maybe WWE 2011), but I'll do my best to be a relaible player in the group we've got now.
At WWE 2011, I intend to try and run the Red Box adventure. Alternatively, I will just run one really long session for our current campaign, in person. That could be pretty cool, too. get_1 and Ouch would need to get their asses to Philly for that, but it'd be worth it.
Magic Carrot?
Probably not. There is a magic picnic basket that just has a meal for 5 people each day in it, and I'm sure I know what you'd pull out of it.
Ouchmaker
09/23/2010, 12:05
Ouch would need to get their asses to Philly for that, but it'd be worth it.
Well, if I decide to take a loan in the next six months, and there's money left over, then sure. But the chance of that happening are pretty slim. :p I'd love to go to WWE at some point though.
A few tactical notes:
At the beginning of a combat encounter, I will ask you to roll initiative. This is done by rolling a d20, and adding the result to your initiative bonus (don't be surprised if you don't have one, you need dex to have one). This will place you in the turn order.
On your turn, you get:
1 Standard Action
1 Move Action
1 Minor Action
As you may remember, you can always trade down your Standard Action for another of the other two, or your Move for a Minor, or both. You will typically be most successful if you can manage to do one of each, but this is not always possible. Sometimes you need to double-move in order to reach someone.
Now...some tricks.
Charging. A charge is a Standard Action. The reason this is cool, is because it gives you a move-and-attack option, after you've already had a move action. Moving, and then Charging, is an essential battle technique that enables you to chase down monsters trying to get away, close in on artillery, and get better positioning.
Charging allows you to move your speed, and then make a Melee Basic Attack, when you're done. The movement must be the most direct path to the target. Older D&D players: You no longer have to run in a straight line, so long as it is still the most direct route. For example, if the creature you are charging is on the other side of a pillar, you can charge around the pillar. You must also be at least two squares away when you start your charge.
When you make your Melee Basic Attack, you get a +1 to the attack roll.
Things to note about this tactic:
1. A lot of melee classes have some powers they can use in lieu of a melee basic attack and/or the melee basic attack that a charge grants. Barbarians and Avengers, especially.
2. Instead of melee attacking, you can instead perform a Bull Rush, still being given the +1 to the attack roll.
Bull Rush. Pushing someone is typically something you want your controller handling. Or, perhaps your defender. Defenders and Controllers have various powers that allow them to do damage, as well as push, pull, or slide opponents around. But sometimes, you just don't have that option. So you need to do a Bull Rush. Bull Rush is a Standard Action. You simply make a strength attack vs. their Fortitude defense. If you hit, you push them 1 square, and step in right where they were standing.
This seems really silly, I know, but it won't when you push some ####### off a cliff. Or into a trap. Or into flanking position between the Paladin and Rogue.
Things to note:
Again, pushing is typically a rider for a lot of powers in the game. You should typically rely on your teammates who have these powers, to get this job done. Taking a standard action for doing something others could probably do with a minor action, as well as inflict damage at the same time, is not a good trade-off. Be sure and ask your teammates what they have available to get the desired effect first, and then if there's nothing, Bull Rush away.
Ready Action Important for various circumstances, and an option you should never forget about. It costs a Standard Action to ready an action. The action you ready can be anything that's a Standard Action or less. The trigger is whatever you decide it should be, so long as it can be reasonably defined. It can be a signal from your teammate, an enemy moving next to you, or a trap door opening and revealing an archer in the wall. When your trigger condition is met, your action fires.
Things to note:
When you do this, and your action has gone off, your initiative is set directly before whatever the trigger was. If it was a monster, you now go directly before the monster's turn. If it was an event, you go whenever that event was during initiative.
Delay Turn This one's a personal favorite. Yes, it's awesome to go first, because you get to go first and do stuff first. Except the enemy isn't at engaging distance yet, and you're throwing yourself out there like a lamb to the slaughter sometimes.
One word: Delay. It means that you're not taking your turn right now. And you don't have to specify when you're actually having it. You just speak out during someone else's turn, "Hey, I'm gonna go right after them." Your initiative is then set to directly after their turn, in the initiative order, and you take your turn when they're done.
Things to note:
1. Any beneficial or buff effects that use the words, "Until the end of your next turn", actually end as soon as you delay. So don't screw yourself out of some extra damage or something by delaying.
2. Any harmful effects, end when you finally take your turn.
3. If you never take your turn, you just lose that turn, and start again at your normal spot. Harmful effects are applied as though you had ended your turn.
4. You cannot delay if you are dazed or incapped.
5. You can only delay before you do anything on your turn. If you do anything, you can no longer delay. This includes free actions, such as talking.
Shift There is no breakaway roll in D&D. Unlike Heroclix, you can leave an enemy's adjacency whenever you want. However, they get to attack you, if you do. This is typically just a basic melee attack, but sometimes it can be more than that. In general, it's something you want to avoid.
So of course, there is a method of movement available that does not provoke opportunity attacks at all. Shifting.
A Shift, is a move action, that allows you to move 1 square, and not provoke opportunity attacks. Some of you may note powers that allow you to shift your speed, or to shift x number of squares. Those have the same effect, but they allow you to move more than just the 1 square. And sometimes have other rider effects as well, like punching everyone you see (Monk Dailies).
Things of note:
All Kobolds have the "Shifty" power. It is an at-will minor action they can use once per turn, that allows them to shift 1 square. This means that they can, essentially, shift away from one party member, move around to another, and attack it, freely. Be warned of this tactic. And if you have powers that disable shifting (Defenders, Controllers, I'm looking at you), do employ them.
All Goblins have the "Goblin Tactics" power. It is an immediate interrupt that allows them to shift 1 square whenever someone misses them. Be aware, if you intend to hit someone with several attacks in one turn, that if they're a Goblin, and you miss, you will have to spend an action to chase them.
Total Defense Action One of my favorites, since it is rarely seen used, and is so effective when it is. Take a standard action to bump up all of your defenses by 2 until the end of your next turn. Great for when you don't have an attack to deal, or want to invite one.
Second Wind Last but not least, healing in D&D 4th is not something you'll have a lot of access to. Ask Charles how many times he can heal you during a fight. The answer will be: "Twice." That's two times, total, that he can heal anyone. And he's probably going to be saving it up for when someone gets knocked down, or the defender who maximizes the amount of HP he receives. So, what's a player to do?
Second Wind.
Second Wind is a Standard Action, and as a result, it is generally sneered at by players since they want to do awesome stuff on their turn. But, sometimes, you need to look at the bigger picture. Second Wind allows you to spend one healing surge, and get the hit points that you would normally gain from one (Your healing surge value is on your character sheet, next to your hit points). You also get a +2 to all of your defenses until the end of your next turn. This is important to note, as it is essentially the Total Defense Action, all over again. This assists you in taking less hits before your next turn starts.
Spending Second Winds is a regular tactic that all players should get familiar with, and just accept. I can tell you that I have fellow players who outright refuse to use Second Wind, and as the Leader in the party, it really pisses me off when I'm out of healing abilities and they complain that they're hurt.
It...might be better if you explained these things in person on Friday night.
It...might be better if you explained these things in person on Friday night.
Agreed. I just thought it might be a good idea to get these down for reference, and if anyone wants something to ponder before the game starts.
charlesx
09/23/2010, 20:42
Stan, Tyro. Come to papa.
http://my.dimdim.com/charlesx/
sstralkowski
09/23/2010, 21:56
Agreed. I just thought it might be a good idea to get these down for reference, and if anyone wants something to ponder before the game starts.
Knowing how much I love using Force Blast in Heroclix, I'll be so tempted to push people all over the place.
sstralkowski
09/23/2010, 21:57
Ok I now have GSC and Gametable working thanks to both charlesx and get_1. You guys are awesome.
Stan's (more or less) good to go. He catches on quickly. He has a problem with having to restart his computer to get GT to work, but it works.
I might have dinner plans tomorrow night that might make me a bit late. But I'll try to be punctual.
Ah, I just responded to his PM, and now see that I didn't need to.
Yeah, rebooting is kinda a temporary solution to that problem. He needs more RAM in his machine. I worry about what will happen after a few hours of connection.
But, glad it's going.
He has 4 gb.
That's 4x what I have. I don't think it's actually a memory problem. :ermm:
He has 4 gb.
That's 4x what I have. I don't think it's actually a memory problem. :ermm:
Judging from what Wade said in the other thread, it's likely a rights issue. I don't recall having to run mine in any sort of Admin mode, but perhaps I did, and now do. I don't really remember.
In any case, before I forget, thanks to all of you guys for helping and testing and whatnot.
I finally found files for my Masterplan program, which is awesome. Sometime, perhaps at WWPhilly, I'll show you guys why I even mention it. I showed it to my DM tonight before our session, and he freaked out.
I of course can't really show you, because then you'd see my stuff.
sstralkowski
09/24/2010, 07:12
In any case, before I forget, thanks to all of you guys for helping and testing and whatnot.
I finally found files for my Masterplan program, which is awesome. Sometime, perhaps at WWPhilly, I'll show you guys why I even mention it. I showed it to my DM tonight before our session, and he freaked out.
I of course can't really show you, because then you'd see my stuff.
*whispers* Your balls are showing. */whispers*
charlesx
09/24/2010, 07:44
Ok I now have GSC and Gametable working thanks to both charlesx and get_1. You guys are awesome.
You're welcome. I can only take credit for GSC. Glad to know that Get was around to help you figure out Gametable.
Did Tyro ever show up?
charlesx
09/24/2010, 07:47
In any case, before I forget, thanks to all of you guys for helping and testing and whatnot.
I finally found files for my Masterplan program, which is awesome. Sometime, perhaps at WWPhilly, I'll show you guys why I even mention it. I showed it to my DM tonight before our session, and he freaked out.
Let me guess... the Masterplan looks something like THIS!!
http://www.posterplanet.net/moviesln/images/mallratsjaysilentblueprints.jpg
BTW, you're welcome.
:p:cool::cool:
Let me guess... the Masterplan looks something like THIS!!
http://www.posterplanet.net/moviesln/images/mallratsjaysilentblueprints.jpg
BTW, you're welcome.
:p:cool::cool:
http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/NickBurns2006/random%20forum/yourewelcome.jpg
sstralkowski
09/24/2010, 08:29
You're welcome. I can only take credit for GSC. Glad to know that Get was around to help you figure out Gametable.
Did Tyro ever show up?
Nope. ninjas
Aegon Targaryen
09/24/2010, 08:37
OOoooOOoooOOo can he play?!?!?! (https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B74tWFazh5bGNTg2MTAyYzItZGJjNS00YWZjLTg4OTctOGM2NzNmMzJhYThj&hl=en&authkey=CLnc3sQJ)
OOoooOOoooOOo can he play?!?!?! (https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B74tWFazh5bGNTg2MTAyYzItZGJjNS00YWZjLTg4OTctOGM2NzNmMzJhYThj&hl=en&authkey=CLnc3sQJ)
Well, you'd have to make a new character, of course, since we're in 4th edition, but yeah, Half-Orc Barbarians can be done.
You'd want to get with me to get your character made, and then to test out the software before a session.
Normally I'd be like, "I've got two hours before the session, let's do it.", but I'm doing last minute stuff today after work for today's session.
Nope. ninjas
That sucks. :ermm:
Aegon Targaryen
09/24/2010, 09:20
I have zero experience with 4 ed. I miss playing ugh, but I guess I could recreate him. the dude was a damn beast
sstralkowski
09/24/2010, 09:25
I have zero experience with 4 ed. I miss playing ugh, but I guess I could recreate him. the dude was a damn beast
It'd be fun to have someone in the party who's used to the creative possibilities of the game. I'm honestly not sure if tyro, get, and Ouch are all newbs like Truff, Chaz and myself or not.
Aegon Targaryen
09/24/2010, 09:27
heh or i could reinvent my crazy inventor i told you about stan :)
sstralkowski
09/24/2010, 09:30
heh or i could reinvent my crazy inventor i told you about stan :)
For our initial run through I think Ugh would do best given my buffs and such.
Aegon Targaryen
09/24/2010, 09:33
Awww who wouldn't want an obsessive compulsive inventor with ADHD and asperger's in their party??
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