OOC: D&D based SRP

[Snork Maiden]

Re: Abraxas

I think I am gonna have to write myself out of this one. Spreading myself too thin ( got involved during vacation & realized I have a few too many threads)

Abraxas, that would be a shame, you have been a great person to role play with, I felt that there was a connection building between our characters. But I respect your reasons for wanting to spend less time here and doing other things.

I am still in,

I have always been a little bit wary of AD&D role playing on bulletin boards exactly because of the problem of flow.
Most D&D stuff is sponteneous, it needs a huge input - in my opinion - from the Dungeoen Master who should paint the scenes and direct the extra characters, always a huge task and one I always enjoyed but it is a lot of commitment. As a rule the DM should respond to every action the character makes thats a response to every comment made with action (more or less) that is after all the level of commitment a DM makes, not just the reading of the next encounter from the plot sheet.

I think White Queen is right in saying there should be a more Turns and Rounds based structure to the play if not only during combat.

In my experience it is not unusual for the party members to split up and investigate cities and towns as individuals and small groups, however, for this to work, the Dungeon Master has again got his work cut out, he has to role play all the NPC's that each character meets and interact with them accordingly. Likely there is an MU and Thieves Guild in town, a Town Hall with officials, a Market with traders and the obligatory pickpockets etc etc.

Playing the game involves painting a mental image in your mind of where you are, that imagery has to come through descriptions of sounds, smells, weather, appearances of buildings, alleyways, people. Is it a desert climate, or temperate it all adds to the imagery in your head and helps to build a more realistic campaign.

my 2 - 20 cents worth

Robina

 

[Dharwal]

hmmm

maybe if it gets set out, more along the lines of.

dm posts the scene, then we each interpreate what our characters do, dm resets the scene with our actions and ractions, we interperate.

until such a time as we move on to something else, ie move 2.

that would cut out a bit of the dms work as stated in the post above since hes not responding to an insane amount of posts

 

[Lethe]

Right... some char info, I guess Sorry, it's... long. Had the char a while, his background info has built up a lot



A thousand ages in thy sight
Are like an evening gone
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun

Lethe

Half-Elf Bard

Chaotic Neutral

Biography:

The half elf now known as Lethe was once a prince in the vanished realm of Aeruin. He was a talented, brooding youth.

He was given the best tuition available in magic, battle and music. And it was his learning of magic that caused the tragedy.

In his hunger for acclaim and love, he committed a terrible crime, the nature of which only wizards can comprehend. All the most powerful mages of Aeruin gathered to determine a suitable punishment.

They finally invoked the Curse of Three, an ancient and terrible ritual curse. He was bound and taken before a circle of three times three mages. Three sentences they chanted, in a language never meant to be shaped by human tongue. Three gestures they gave. And three curses they laid on him.

To wander eternally, never finding rest nor sanctuary

To gain victory after victory, and each victory to bring him fresh sorrows

To be henceforth stripped of all title by which men might know him

The curse done, they released him and the one-time prince went out into the night.

Lethe has wandered far since then. In Waterdeep, he saw a doomed hero die. In the icy North, he walked a sea of ice. In Amn he won favour with the Council of Six for his music, and became court bard before jealous enemies and treacherous friends disgraced him and he was cast out

He has no true name any more but he is known by his companions as Lethe.

He uses an ancient headsman's longsword in battle. These words run down its blade: Terminus Est

Lethe is a slim, muscular half elf. His face is pale and drawn, and dark, haunted blue eyes reflect the world in pitiless minature. He moves with deliberate precision and grace.

His hair is dark and frames his face. Dressed in a black silk coat and tight breeches, over that Lethe wears ornate black leather armour, with hardened ridges running up back and chest, forming whorls and spirals on the boiled leather. Along these ridges strips of silver are sown, such as might deflect a sword-blow in battle, and they glint strangely against the dull black leather. Across his chest is slung the baldric for the sword on his back, and from it hang discs of silver and steel, each stamped with the raven that Lethe uses as his personal sigil. Black tassels, bound tightly in silver rings, hang from the wrists of the strange armour's sleeves.

 

[White Queen]

Well, while we figure out the way we are going to organize our posts my character ( Arlen ) will go to a local inn, get a room and take a warm bath...

 

[ARaynes]

I am still in as well.

 

[Snork Maiden]

SRP ? Adventure ?

I am really enjoying this thread - sort of, But I seem to be the only one moving it on, with the aid of Lethe and Abraxas who has sadly left, to who knows where?

I do have a bath pouring and the way things are going the only S in this SRP is likely to be a private session with the rubber duck and soap.

I realise people have other threads to post to, I see them. I am getting a sensation of futility here like a roach running roach errands around a Mobius Strip.

I'm, off for my bath... I could be in there for hours even days.

 

[Lethe]

I think the thread's doing okay. At least it IS moving, and it's kinda good that there isn't an immediete sexual free-for-all; there are plenty of threads already that do that.

One thing though; Lethe is NOT blonde, everyone

 

[SpectreT]

Sorry, everybody. I'm kind of bombing here in my role as GM. I only get to post on nights & Saturdays, owing to work and family & friends eating a lot of my time. DMing does, indeed, seem to be better suited to more prolific posters than I. But, I'll try and keep it going as much as possible.

Turns are kind of a good idea/bad idea proposition. Every D&D thread I've ever been in on here has been turn based and short-lived, simply because the more prolific posters got sick of waiting for the slowpokes (like me) and bowed out.

 

[ARaynes]

Sorry about that Lethe.

 

[Dharwal]

My apologies..

I havent been posting too often, i probably shouldnt of joined this thread as im already in 2 other pbbb rpgs and am about to start my own one up soon, so my time on the net is seriously hampered by this.

the good news is that in a bit over a week, one of those pbbb's will be wrapping up freeing up alot more time. (1-2 complete moves per week eat up alot of time).

so pretty soon i'll be back amongst stuff.

 

[Azerin]

Sorry.... O.O

I'm prolly going to have to drop out of this... :/ life getting a bit too busy now... sorry everyone...

 

[ARaynes]

You will be missed....Bye hon.

 

[SpectreT]

Man....

Droppin' like flies.

I see some of us have gotten to the "S" part of "SRP".

Everybody - I'm taking my cues from you folks on timing. Let me know when you want or need an interruption, or we need to move the plot along.

Also - one of my oldest characters is very soon to be introduced into this story, right after a particularly twisted GM (not me )had given that character a unique Dark Cloud/Silver Lining moment.

Ladies and Gentlemen - Kyle Blackbyrne!

Kyle is a Human Female Paladin, a self-described servant of Tyr, and one of the least happy human beings in Faerun right about now. Her wedding's been cancelled, for a simple reason: the wedding plans were made while she was still a man.

Right. As Kyle, I wandered right into the Girdle of Masculinity/Femininity. Go ahead and laugh at me. The silver lining is after it pulled the old switcheroo on Kyle, it then functioned as a Girdle of Storm Giant Strength. And yes, I gave my DM a full ration of shit for that maneuver. Twelve years ago, when I played the character. S/he's been back once, here on Lit.

 

[White Queen]

So, at this moment... who excactly is still playing...

Snork Maiden, Lethe, Dharwal, SpectreT, AR and me?

 

[Dharwal]

87(

yes i think so

 

[Jeselynn]

Re: Man....

Droppin' like flies.

I see some of us have gotten to the "S" part of "SRP".

What is your position on dragons? *evil grin*
just joking...

I am prolly too late for this but i would like to join.

*smile* as it seems you are dropping players like flies, I thought it might be nice to add some new blood.

I personally like playing female characters but i am thinking a nice male character would fit in.. maybe a traveling loner?

Going from DM and Players guide:
I also must go with tolkiens elves.. *smile*
Hmmm.. ideas would be a full elf male younger maybe 23-25 yrs old human.
Name Ciowyn
Drow/grey mix... (doesn't that sound great) Raised by greys. Alignment caotic neutral. 6'8" tall Silvery-white hair pale blue eyes.
Dark ebony skin.

Would be dressed in thin woven garments.. carrying A hand-carved staff and a mitheral dagger. Skilled in sorcerery and having no knowledge of of his drow past.Is in search of his past. He left and now claims The Elven Woods as home.


I'm not sure how this player might fit in with your game but I would like to try.

Another Idea would be to play my long time female character Jeselynn.. (yes i know) She is a Tolkien High elf
20yrs old,lawful neutral, stands 5'6"(short) raven haired, pale white skin, and golden eyes.

she also is skilled in sorcerery. wears thigh high suede boots, a long silk tunic and a confortable cloak w/hood.
She carries a long staff that has a carved hollow cage on the top.
Sometimes is filled with burning herbs and different gems or stones.
Background
Comming from a well-off family she decided to travel for herself, performing favors and spells for different types of groups, to make her way.

Hopefully i will be allowed to join your game. I would be willing to play both if i am allowed to join..

love you all

 

[Snork Maiden]

Hey there

Hi Jeselynn,

I guess I'll say hi, just because nobody else has yet

That is sooo.... frustrating isn't it ?

Since it's not my SRP I can't say yea or neigh, but I guess it shouldn't be a problem.

Another Elf ewwwwwwwwwk, another female character, , my poor Ranger is having such a tough time of it.

I'm from the old school AD&D so I guess I automatically role play from experience. I use racial preferences so my character acts neutrally to most races, Tolerates Half Elves and prefers Human company, thus being unattracted to Elves or Half-Elves she'll probably end up in bed with the Innkeeper at this rate. <LOL>

Snork

 

[Jeselynn]

Re: Hey there

Gee Thanks... *smile* didn't you read the male character? *giggle*

Well when someone else gets on, I hope to join you all...

I have played AD&D for nearly 5 years. started with 1st ed and moved through all the book in like 4 months.. So I guess I learn quickly.

I run a MUD with friends, and have been playing it for almost 2 years.

Looking forward to joining in..

*smile*

 

[Snork Maiden]

That's pretty good going, I have all 13 1st Edition Manuals and tons of modules and still find new stuff in them after 8 years of playing

I gotta go soon - it's like 3.00am here in the UK. I have been staying up more than I should especially in my current (expectant) condition but I wanted to try and help the D&D thread along as it is something I really miss.

I have to say though it is very slow and I have the feeling i could retire myself if it doesn't pick up soon which would be a shame.

Snork

 

[Jeselynn]

*sigh* i'm sorry to hear that. I hope that this thread picks up... It looks like a place i could get into.. I can understand the time difference... I have friends in sweden... *smile*


Looking forward to joining

 

[Snork Maiden]

My mother's grandparents were swedish

 

[SpectreT]

Hi, Jeselynn. Sorry I didn't post sooner to welcome you.

Hrm. I don't stand on any particular heirarchy. It's not just my thread, so mine isn't the only voice that counts. I suppose Snork Maiden's votin I get a move on with the plot; anyone else with her? I'm just piddlin' 'round waiting foreverybody who's still playing to chime in. The Tavern is a logical choice to jump in at; so everybody cast some votes, here. New Member? Move the bloody thing along? Sorry, if you're looking for me to set the pace, you'll be dissapointed. I take my cues from player actions and feedback; I react, rather than throw a bunch of stuff at you.

If you want me to move it, say something here, I'll describe the new setting. Feel free to narrate some on your own, too, to get things moving. If you seem to be having a good time hanging out in the tavern, that's where you'll be.

The purpose of the OOC thread is to give me a nudge when you want to know something, or want me to move it along somehow.

 

[White Queen]

Welcome Jeselynn, good to have more people join the thread...

 

[Lethe]

I'd say moving the plot along is a good idea...

Heya, Jesselyn, good to have new people...


"Gee, Arlen and Ish's bath has lasted an awful long time. Should we go investigate?"

 

[Snork Maiden]

Lead the Party or Let the Party Lead

That's the paradox of DMing isn't it, if you lead the party too much the people feel controlled and resist all your good intentions, if you do nothing then the people just mill about and cause general mischief to amuse themselves. Seen it, DM'ed it, done it.

Whilst letting the players go on opportunist burglary expeditions, midnight raids, tavern brawls etc is fun it is unproductive in terms of the campaign. The fabric in which they are playing is still the domain of the DM.

If you go down the road of defining your own towns, and cities, you have to furnish them with whatever may be expected.

It is normal (I think) to have a town council or city guild, that has politics, rules and laws, these are things the characters need to know.

If there is a poor quarter, a rich quarter, a trading place, barracks stables, inns blah blah - these too need to be described.

Is the city a trading city, a port, is it a center for local farmers or does it trade predominantly with caravans. Where are the temples, I don't know 3rd Edition rules, but in every game I have played or DM'ed the the first thing the characters would want to do after refreshing themselves is checkout their local related building, be it a Temple to Sune or what ever (if there is one) for cleric (or Priests whatever), Magic users and Illusionists to their Guilds, Thieves and Assains to their Guilds, Fighters to the smithy for armor repairs and Barracks for training do you see what I am saying.

I'm not saying this is all in your court, but I kind of feel there is not enough DM interaction.

If I ask a question, 'Where is the local Blacksmith?' to the Innkeeper. It's not realistic for me to answer my own question and say

'Oh down the street turn left at the statue and straight ahead is it',

You must have a blacksmith on your map of Fairhaven and a thieves Guild and Temples and Gatehouses etc so you should be able to respond to those sorts of questions, thats not leading that DMing.

Just arriving in a town, as we did, There is no imagery, is it by the sea, is it enclosed by stone or wooden walls, how big is it, are the streets patrolled, ie is it under a militarist rule or are the streets free. Is it clean is well maintained, does the appear to be law and order.

History of the town, how long has it been there, why what or when did thing start to go wrong. Is the grave yard inside the city or outside the city. How big is the graveyard, does this indicate a high mortality or just a long estabilished city.

Maybe being used to the old rules and stuff makes a difference I don't know I can believe the detail is any less important in which ever quest setting or game genre it takes place in.

There has to be a reason.

Sorry, if you're looking for me to set the pace, you'll be dissapointed. I take my cues from player actions and feedback; I react, rather than throw a bunch of stuff at you.

You don't have to set the pace - you do have to explain why we were on a caravan to Fairhaven, you do have to through in stuff we can pick up on, Taverns are usually the place to pick up gossip.

'The Party over hears a conversation ......

'The innkeeper mentions that.......

'One of the party spot a poster on the notice board.........

'Lost ....

'Wanted ......

'Reward .......


You shouldn't take any cues from any player, as DM you should just play consequence not create them. If you start to react to the players, the game will degenerate and lose its direction.
A DM does not play, he referees he treats monsters thesame as characters The monster have rules to follow and so tdo the characters. If a zombie did something unzombie like every player would complain. Likewise if a character does something uncharacter like shouldn't the monsters complain too?


I don't know perhaps it is different in 3rd Ed.