I am always in the mood for a story, whether dark and mysterious, or light hearted and joyous. If it works best for you, go for it. I am merely a player upon your stage, and I will happily embrace whatever narrative you so wish for myself, and for the other players here. =)
I joined expecting a popcorn dungeon crawl. Never expected to reach the top because I figured it was effectively infinitely tall. I didn't see it as a metaphor for doom and hopelessness. The setting was vague, and the volume of your responses meant that there were ample typos. It was enough to remind me of my old RPs from a simpler time. I rolled shit stats but went with it, because, hey, how much could it matter?
Xamodas' initial stubbornness and insistence on advancing through the tower was a reflection of me, not seeing any point to playing outside the Tower. The whole point of this thread was the Tower, everyone else outside of it was just bumbling around in freeplay. I knew as soon as I saw the hall of traps that there was no way my Dex 10, level 2 Wizard was going to clear that floor, but I went anyway because, well, what choice did I have?
Then, yanno, splat, the Enn. Then I figured, 'oh okay that's just a thing he does. Kill PCs, the Enn is the real focus. Got it. Oh, okay, here's a chance to fix my stats. Don't wanna be a dragonborn, but better than nothing. Oh shit, an actual red wyrmling? Cool. I'll probably have to punch higher than my weight class though. . .'
Then got sent back to beat someone who got an arbitrary power boost after Xamodas 'won.'
It was real up and down, mostly downs. Stats were feelbad, Tower 1 was slow, Tower 2 was feelbad, the Enn was slow, the reincarnation was COOL, then the Chloro fight was Feelbad. I don't endorse PvP usually, and I knew their odds were not good, so I assumed I wasn't meant to actually kill N&N (hence lack of coup de gras, and parleying with Noldeme). When Nae went Super Warlock, I felt Xammy boy was never going to win that fight.
I'm a bit of a power gamer, I think most of us are, but I don't expect to win every time. That said it felt like I've mostly been losing. Even now, with a proper party and a kickass dragon body, I have to go fetch my old stuff or acquire new stuff. Even if I get a new book, I have to rewrite it. And all these things that he pays coin for, he needs to somehow figure out a way to take the coin back from whoever he purchased his goods from. Its a bit daunting and feels like more losing. I don't mind paying a price for dying, but it felt like the Hall of Traps was the only path, and there was no way to avoid death, so I'm paying a price despite making no real mistake. This was why he was hoping to get the dwarf along to help, but she didn't bite, and sealed his fate.
So yeah, I'd be okay with a lighter narrative. I do enjoy this, and I really respect what you've done here. But I don't think many of us are demanding a deep story with abstract metaphors and themes from a DM with godknowshowmany players.
((I'm up for any reason you've got to make it a bit lighter, and it shouldn't be too hard for all of us to adjust to that narrative. Do what helps yourself, and then think about the rest as you get there.))
So, first I'm going to make a gentle suggestion that you may or may not like, but that I think will help you greatly:
Close recruitment.
I mean it. More people are going to have free time, and more people are going to be stressed, because of the current world situation. Many people are going to be looking for games to join to relieve some of that stress / lock-in boredom. I think you are going to get swamped, and quickly, if you don't shut down and do some self-care first. Of course as a player I don't want you to abandon this game, but seriously - until you have found your school / life balance in what is going to be passing for the new normal for at least the next three weeks if not much, much longer, don't add new stressors in by being the only GM for a player base of triple digits, because if you keep recruitment open that's what you're setting yourself up for.
That being said: I have been enjoying the story greatly so far and see no need to change the tone of it at all. There's been enough lighthearted moments and comedy in the Bunny Batallion adventure to make it both enjoyable to read and write. The NPCs - all of them, from the rabbits and bunnies to the guild members and hostiles - all feel like real people, rather than paper cutouts. But there's also enough hooks and cues for serious story developments that it's not a piece of cotton candy fluff. So I like where the story has been going, and want it to keep going in that direction. You can have pathos and comedy in the same story, and I happen to think the best stories keep a bit of both.
I do have to say I think my answer is skewed because I and the Bobahendrix have been playing characters that skew towards lighthearted stories withour simple-minded motivations and intelligence scores (LOL). But I think we've managed to make a serious story out of what we're working with despite that. I mean we have a floating watercolor bunny and a pet gnoll mage in our party, which is as ridiculous as it sounds, and yet still real concerns as a player that these precious NPCs are going to come to great harm if we play our cards wrong during the course of our questing.
I think you're one of the better DMs I have met on this site, which surprises the hell out of me because I wasn't expecting that from an open recruitment ongoing thread. I was actually thinking this was going to turn into sandbox madness, and instead it hasn't - it's remained a structured story with plot hooks at every point along the way. Just make sure all that dedication doesn't overwhelm you, is my advice - it shouldn't feel like a chore to update the DnD thread, if you know what I mean.
Also if you ever stop this and decide to have a private game instead, please send me an invite. LOL
First, please take care of yourself. By that I mean remember everyone deals with stress different. Some have to grieve, some laugh, some mock, etc. Etc.. take the time to decompress. After that my advise is handle your living situation, because it's going to be hard to get some stress relief until that is resolved. If that means pausing this game then that's what you do. The players who are into the game will be here when you get back.
As to the style of the story and its tone. Everyone plays for different reasons and for different needs. Those reasons and needs can change as often as everytime the play (or post). That includes you as a DM. If you want dark and doomed, comedy, light hearted or drama I am sure this medium and player base can handle it. I also feel your an accomplished enough writer to handle the tone changes while still telling the story you want to tell.
I do agree with Enkida, in that you may want to pause recruitment until your settled. Dealing with real life complications while pondering a potentially infinitely expanding update each day seems as doomed as getting to the top of your infinite tower.
Thank you for the game so far, it has gotten me through several bad days at work. And have a good day.
This is stress relief for everyone recruited onto this post. I'm sure if someone didn't like the tone, they'd have left by now. Don't worry about the players, the fact that you have more coming than going shows your audience is happy with the content.
Adding stress by delaying stuff IRL or worrying about the players obviously is going in the wrong direction. Get ahead of it, we can wait.
Do whatever you need to do to keep your sanity. I agree with Enkida though. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stopping recruitment temporarily could alleviate some stress. I don't know how you make time for it all as it is!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Yaw -Genasi, Bard (3), College of Lore - Tower of Heaven
Thank you all for your feedback, I am glad you are all enjoying everything so far, and based on everything I've heard, I will be doing a few things.
1. Closing Open recruiting, at least temporarily. I do actually enjoy the new story every now and again, but when someone new pops up out of the blue it certainly shift things a bit. I tend to chisel things out slowly and work with old material until I can really get things rolling, so it's not too problematic, but still. I'm still expecting to add one more player before too soon, they've got something quite intresting in the works.
2. Slowing down my posting speed, and keeping you informed about it via signature. I like keeping the ball rolling and being resolute, and I enjoy writing these everyday, but lately I've been shoving it later and later. However, my spring break has just started, so it won't be too sluggish until afterwards. I'll start with once every two days as of this post, starting with a post tonight, hopefully, which'll ramp up next week and then slow down again.
3. Being fickle about combat encounters, they are the thing that actually take the most wind out of me, cause I'm not actually writing anything. I still do like those big dangerous threats for serious stuff, but most likely, from now on, anything you encounter will go down in one, maybe two hits tops barring big baddies. Posting lots of dice rolls and posting and then re posting results can be a real headache, especially with the big red bar shows up and virtually invalidates everything. D&D beyond fix your goddamn rollback system, I really should make a handful of bug reports. I have seriously wasted hours of my life messing with bold text and the editor, honestly.
4. Getting organized, and getting out there. Obviously, I have a love for discrete parsings of info about my world, half because I enjoy it, and half because I don't have 100% of everything written down, and being able to build things from the ground up on a per player basis is usually better. However, when people just jump in, they don't have anything to go off of, which means I gotta pick up the slack before the line starts sinking. So, sometime soon, I'll have an actual repository somewhere, probably create a Patreon (everything related to this will be unlocked, but I like the idea of my hobby paying off) which will include anything and everything I should declare as common or inconsequintial knowledge, not just for you, but for me, cause I like writing that stuff and other stuff. Also, it will be something for me to put extra effort into on off days, I'll probably put in my signature what I'm working on. Feel free to completely ignore this one if you like this as it is, but if you want read my other fiction, or my fiction from this world, or my non-fiction from this world along with critical reports discussing it's valdiity which are also entirely fictional, then bada-boom this is the place for you.
Anyway, my pizza is getting cold. Thanks again, everyone, and do expect some intresting changes for my sake, but overall, the overall tone should remain consistent and I'll still keep of my long term plans regarding the upcoming season ;). Cheers.
I second Enkida. This is your 'shake-up'. I had mine as a DM a few months ago. You set boundaries and stick to them, and you remember that people who don't enjoy your game have the choice to stop. You can't let this become a chore.
Orina & Jogs: After a bit of Prodding, the snoring finally ceases and Tibet wakesup with a start. "Ah! oh...sorry...you are Orina and Jogs, right? I must've been overworking myself." He gets up and dusts himself off. "Good thing it wasn't someone else, I could've gotten in big trouble. I hope this can be our little secret...but I swear, I wasn't just slacking off, I could've sworn I saw something, like a ghost, and then it went black...maybe I was just dreaming already." He wipes some sweat from his brow and scratches his head. "Anyway what can I do for you, did your, uh, mission go well?" He looks up at Hainsley. "Oh, hello...your new...or am I the only one seeing the big rabbit?"
Hainsley puts a finger on his mouth. "Shhh, I am an omen, a forewarning...also, I'm a hare, not a rabbit, and probably neither one of those things." he says, in a shaky ghost-like voice. "I require...two parsnips, a carrot, and an onion to avoid the- pmmffa ha ha!." he cracks laughing. "Nah, just kidding everyone can see me, I just came along from where that dungeon thing was."
"And I don't know about wearing anything too fancy." says Hainsley "I could look the part of being fancy, but I doubt I could play it."
Also, When Orina looks outside, she see what appear to be some kind of meat vendor. There is a clown there who has ordered a chicken leg, and seeing him eat it in one hand while carrying a horn in the other is somewhat offputting.
Resolve:
The dwarf rubs her eyes, looking tired. "Oh, yeah, that...oh!" She seems to wake up more. "Are you interested in that, I no it sounds redicoulous but let me explain...you see in the tower, there's this big set of stairs you have to climb to get the the next level and I was..." she holds her tounge and gets a bit embarrased. "...Well, I was thinking might be...possible to build an elevator up to the top, and I was hoping someone could help me fetch supplies...but it sounds a bit rediculous saying it out loud, I don't know, are you still interested?"
Corvidae - Temple District:
A nearby Caretaker with black hair rushes over. "Stand back!" he says to you as the tieflings spasms begin to halt. He looks over him, and several passerbys are coming over, some even jumping in an attempting to help, but the Caretaker puts his hand up, and they don't move an inch. "Huh..." says the Caretaker, before looking up. "Well, just some minor exhaustion, nothing to worry about, everyone go about your day, we'll handle this!" With that, the crowd disperses, if slowly, and carries on. "Hey, I'll get his legs, you get his arms, take him over and lie him on the bench by the pool."
Liadon, in his mind, awakens in a dark place. Though there is light somewhere in the distance, it is far, far away...there are only monsters here, dimly illuminated. Your patron calls..."It walks in shadow in the light of day...a soul of stone and body of clay...the-" Your omen is cut short as the energy surging through you fades, and you feel yourself flung faster than the speed of light. You hit something, like passing through the surface of water, and suddenly there are bones everywhere, you knock them all about and they fall away from you. Someone is there who fall too, but you don't see them, you aren't even slowed down, you suddenly hit hard, what feels like sand, and it sprays up everywhere, but things go dark again. You think you can see light...and hear voices "lie him on the bench by the pool."
Chloro Hills:
Pertuie: ((Nah, Noldeme can go up to level 4, it was definitely hardest for your character being in the middle of all that.))
Xamodas looks in the distance...perhaps a day, maybe two, f he were to fly there, a day definitely, but these wings might take some getting used to. ((Also, I will mention Corvidae Castle (where Nae's patron wants her to go) and The Tower are different places, but I wasn't sure if Xamodas was trying to convince them to go there instead))
As you all are looking out, you notice something has crept along the hillside to get a closer look at you...you turn around, and see a kobold staring, it has brown scales mottled with red, and something in it's hand. When it sees you noticed, it yips quickly darts off in the other direction.
Greenport:
Honour: "I was testing a snare to catch someone in the act." He says a bit horsely from being upside-down. "I accidently stepped in it when you banged on my door real hard and got startled. He starts calling out a name. "Sarah! Sarah- Ah, sorry, that's my assistant, she's just too busy listening to that Wavey or whatever she calls it." He sees you pull out the axe. "Hey, woah careful now, I don't need another axe throwing scar, one is plenty."
Your elf friend turns to you. "Maybe we should just put a chair on a desk or something...oh, I bet I have a spell..." he starts flipping through his spellbook. Meanwhile, you're testing the wind...yes, approximately 0 knots, perfect weather...not likely to change unless someone opens up a window.
Blackport:
((They're all rumors you've heard about potential ways of magical travel, you might ask around about one or two of them hoping for answers, although, there's no guarente you'll find them, but something will definately happen))
(I assume) You head to the outskirts of town, to a wagon station. The ticketmaster asks. "So, you planning to head to Corvidae, or Glanyr-" You sneezes and blow into a hankerchief. "..Glanyrafon? Sorry about that, I swear I'm cursed or something to sneeze whenver someone talks to me. Not sick or anything. Ahem, anyway, you heading to one of those places, or stopping along the way. Also, when do you plan on leaving?"
Temple District - Grand Abode:
You take a seat in the library, and some herbal tea is brought to you. Disguising it might be a good idea, but it seems few, even none, recognize it fully for what it is unless. You have heard with such dangerous artifacts that an avergage child could carry it and it would be no more harmful than the average quarterstaff, but those attuned with Her would certainly take notice of it's power. Right now, it's not about being seen with it, but about who sees it, you should be more than safe here, hopefully...you think someone just made a strange look at you...
((It's a metal quarterstaff that looks like a bony hand with sharp fingers, no markings, you might be able to pass it off as just a fancy cane to the reasonably dull))
Unfortunately the library is much to closeby and the tea much to hot to finish quickly, so you end up blowing on it awkwardly while standing in the doorway. A female human wizard in a blue hat looks at you strangely...is it the deathclaw- "Sir, if i may, I have a quick cantrip, I can cool that down for you quickly." They offer, raising a hand ready to cast a spell.
The Vilemind:
Yaw: "I guess this is what they were talking about with an emergency backup... and restoring the facility that I destroyed? Wait...who are you, how did you...wait, you haven't restored power, have you? This is a ship, a terrible ship, this is The Vilemind! " He says with dire urgency. Upon your deadpan at the name he continues..."Wait, that name, it means nothing to you? That can only mean one thing, then. Please, tell me about this place, not here, I mean, but your plane, or, your planet maybe? Err, what's the name of your land, I suppose. There's something important you need to know depending on your answer, but it's different depending on your answer, it'll make sense in the meantime. Just please, don't do anymore repairs."
Wagon Park -> The Crow Bar:
You walk through the fairgrounds, heading toward the Inn you were reffered to. About you are all sorts of games, tests of strength, mind, and dexterity that people are playing, spending their gold to earn bonds, or using bonds to earn prizes, and occasionally just playing for fun. A muscular man bests another foe in arm wrestling, vendors and clowns are all about (leshanna stops by one of the vendors and quickly purchases a bag of charcoal, herbs, an incense, which dordis immediately recognizes as the components for a find familiar spell), and most notably are roped off circles where friendly duels go down with people wagering on the sidelines. You make it to your destination, a modest looking dive not too far from the gates of the city, and you head inside. You must say, for a place where Caretakers frequent, it sure is a lot saltier than you imagined. A human woman with dark skin and curly, tied up hair greets you as you walk in. "Ah! If it isn't you three trouble-trouts, you got here pretty fast, but word travels faster." You notice, despite wearing the uniform of a caretaker, the neat vest and white shirt, she does not have a golden feather pin on. "I'm Lucy, probably already know your names..." she closes one eye and sticks out her tounge as she points you out. "...Let's see, Leshanna, of course, who could miss her, who never misses? Dordis, the Green, but also Silver, and also Blue, and also very, very smart and well spoken and...and Perserverence, was it...no, Zacherverence, of course, the great good aspect! Lastly, Azorha, the third wheel turned fourth wheel...Anyway, enough of my showing off and maybe creeping you out, What can I do you four for?"
Dordis shows some interest, yet his eyes focus onward to get to this tavern, paying some attention to Leshanna's component gathering, but he lets it pass.
As Dordis walks into the tavern, expecting a different ambience and feel from a location these caretakers usually stay within, only to be greeted with an entirely different one.
Nonetheless, he notices Lucy, and lets her finish her ramblings before beginning to speak. "Well, that's a way to simplify our descriptions, I suppose? Anyway, I have not been to a tavern myself, actually. Infact, this is my first time to be invaded with this—" He pauses, "-this type of impression for a place, I guess. Well, em, what are the services that this place provides?" Dordis's eyes move to look at this group expectantly, showing some frustration over themself.
Iam drops his spear from his left hand where it is on the ground. He then takes his shield off and attaches it to his back pack while the Caretaker warns off the gathering crowd. As the Cartaker instructs Iam to take the arms he does so, leaving his spear behind as he helps carry Liadon to the bench. On the way to the bench Iam gives a brief account to the Caretaker. "I am called Iam. This is Liadon. He suddenly became unconscious and fell. I used Basic Biological Stabilization (Stabilize the Dying) on body, and called for help. Thank you for this. He was kind enough to show myself to this district and I was trying to convince him to take in the architecture and art here with myself. He said he really needed to go. I tend to forget Biologicals get tired more easily than myself."
Iam's voice is full of concern and self doubt on whether he some how caused this by asking too much energy from his new associate in there walk about town.
"Zacha ... rias," Zacharias corrects her slowly, as if his mind is somewhat occupied by what she just said. "That's a very interesting trick. I represent the Aspect of Perseverance." He looks down at himself, placing a hand on his chest. "You can see that about me? What else do you know?" He smiles at her, looking pleased.
Liadon feels completely drained of energy, he hasn't felt this weak since he was an orphan on the streets on the brink of death. His mind swims with strange visions & sensations. "Why? What have I done that you call to me so forcefully?" Liadon wonders of his patron.
Never before has it demanded he act on his pact through interference. Truly, he has even delayed or ignored his pact before--""haven't I?"-- but all that was done was a purple tint in his vision. He feels for the power from his patron. He can sense it, but it feels....isolated, blocked. "Are you denying me?" he wonders. But that doesn't seem right. His patron has never denied him before, and this "isolation" feels external. "Can something really be powerful enough to deny my patron?"
As Liadon begins to regain some of his strength, he is blinded by the sunlight in his eyes. The purple haze is gone and he sees a Caretaker over him. He hears a worried voice above his head and looks. This strange brass being --"no, Iam. I just met him"-- looks down at him and Liadon's eyes open wide. They sting from the sudden opening and begin to water, but he stares nonetheless. He is stricken with surprise and confusion that he is unable to hide as he stares at the symbol of his patron, a purple eye, hovering in space over Iam's head. The eye seems to emit a purple haze onto Iam, bathing him in purple.
"What? Why? No, I just met him," Liadon says aloud as he tries to sit up. He cranes his neck trying to keep is view on the eye as he sits up and swings his legs off the bench. He still hasn't regained his strength, and his attempt simply rolls him off the bench instead. He falls flat onto his chest painfully but still keeps staring at the eye. "Surely, you know I can't now. I've got too much to do. Not now, that would be two years wasted."
The omen booms into in his head over and over- "IT WALKS IN SHADOW IN THE LIGHT OF DAY...A SOUL OF STONE AND BODY OF CLAY..." His hands cover his ears, pushing the wig further off his horns. It does not help as the omen repeats deafeningly in his head. The last time it repeats, though still loud, sounds muffled, and the eye above Iam fades from existence on the last recounting. Liadon's strength instantly returns to him, but the block on his power remains. He slowly removes his hands from his ears and gets off his chest to stand. He finally realizes that his disguise has been compromised, his horns exposed under his off-kilter wig.
Ulrich blushes. "No, don't waste it. My own fault, I did not think it would be so hot. I am waiting for a meeting. Just trying to pass the time. Don't let me delay you."
He'll lean the deathclaw against the wall and lean against it, as if to just properly hold the cup as he blows on it.
"Liadon!, I don't th..." Iam says as he squats down reaching out as Liadon falls from the bench. "Easy! easy! your going to hurt yourself. Everything is alright! you fell unconscious." Iam relates very confused by what Liadon says out loud. As the blue haired wig moves Iam doesn't seem to be surprised at all, nor does he react in any way to the revelation of horns. Iam voice does express worry and sorrow for the state of Liadon whom he is addressing and his eyes seem to be looking at Liadon's face searching for some sign that Liadon is alright. he holds his arms out to help Liadon back up to the bench he fell off of.
Jogs responds to Tebit. “Him? The hare? Oh he’s our proof of a job well done. Not only did we take care of Magullickson’s problem, but we also cleared out one of old Barnabus’ dungeon constructions. Cleaned out totally. Nothing left. Not to mention it collapsed behind us. It’s rubble now.”
She pauses. “We’re happy to have helped Rosebush; maybe now you can help us. We’re looking for some... I think they’re called Wildren. We’re tracking them . It’s related to Rosebush business. We heard that... they might be in the garden district. Know anybody like that? Or have a connection we could speak with?”
She clears her throat; smoke trickles from her nostrils. “um...We also lost track of Grr Grr Frr. No idea where he went, personal business I guess.”
Jogs glances at Orina before continuing. “This is just my opinion, but I think we did a pretty darn great job for Rosebush. I’m not that bright but I do know that work was worth something. And we’re a bit short on funds. What do you say, Toolbit?”
persuasion: 18
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I am always in the mood for a story, whether dark and mysterious, or light hearted and joyous. If it works best for you, go for it. I am merely a player upon your stage, and I will happily embrace whatever narrative you so wish for myself, and for the other players here. =)
((Honestly, here's my perspective.
I joined expecting a popcorn dungeon crawl. Never expected to reach the top because I figured it was effectively infinitely tall. I didn't see it as a metaphor for doom and hopelessness. The setting was vague, and the volume of your responses meant that there were ample typos. It was enough to remind me of my old RPs from a simpler time. I rolled shit stats but went with it, because, hey, how much could it matter?
Xamodas' initial stubbornness and insistence on advancing through the tower was a reflection of me, not seeing any point to playing outside the Tower. The whole point of this thread was the Tower, everyone else outside of it was just bumbling around in freeplay. I knew as soon as I saw the hall of traps that there was no way my Dex 10, level 2 Wizard was going to clear that floor, but I went anyway because, well, what choice did I have?
Then, yanno, splat, the Enn. Then I figured, 'oh okay that's just a thing he does. Kill PCs, the Enn is the real focus. Got it. Oh, okay, here's a chance to fix my stats. Don't wanna be a dragonborn, but better than nothing. Oh shit, an actual red wyrmling? Cool. I'll probably have to punch higher than my weight class though. . .'
Then got sent back to beat someone who got an arbitrary power boost after Xamodas 'won.'
It was real up and down, mostly downs. Stats were feelbad, Tower 1 was slow, Tower 2 was feelbad, the Enn was slow, the reincarnation was COOL, then the Chloro fight was Feelbad. I don't endorse PvP usually, and I knew their odds were not good, so I assumed I wasn't meant to actually kill N&N (hence lack of coup de gras, and parleying with Noldeme). When Nae went Super Warlock, I felt Xammy boy was never going to win that fight.
I'm a bit of a power gamer, I think most of us are, but I don't expect to win every time. That said it felt like I've mostly been losing. Even now, with a proper party and a kickass dragon body, I have to go fetch my old stuff or acquire new stuff. Even if I get a new book, I have to rewrite it. And all these things that he pays coin for, he needs to somehow figure out a way to take the coin back from whoever he purchased his goods from. Its a bit daunting and feels like more losing. I don't mind paying a price for dying, but it felt like the Hall of Traps was the only path, and there was no way to avoid death, so I'm paying a price despite making no real mistake. This was why he was hoping to get the dwarf along to help, but she didn't bite, and sealed his fate.
So yeah, I'd be okay with a lighter narrative. I do enjoy this, and I really respect what you've done here. But I don't think many of us are demanding a deep story with abstract metaphors and themes from a DM with godknowshowmany players.
))
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
((I'm up for any reason you've got to make it a bit lighter, and it shouldn't be too hard for all of us to adjust to that narrative. Do what helps yourself, and then think about the rest as you get there.))
So, first I'm going to make a gentle suggestion that you may or may not like, but that I think will help you greatly:
Close recruitment.
I mean it. More people are going to have free time, and more people are going to be stressed, because of the current world situation. Many people are going to be looking for games to join to relieve some of that stress / lock-in boredom. I think you are going to get swamped, and quickly, if you don't shut down and do some self-care first. Of course as a player I don't want you to abandon this game, but seriously - until you have found your school / life balance in what is going to be passing for the new normal for at least the next three weeks if not much, much longer, don't add new stressors in by being the only GM for a player base of triple digits, because if you keep recruitment open that's what you're setting yourself up for.
That being said: I have been enjoying the story greatly so far and see no need to change the tone of it at all. There's been enough lighthearted moments and comedy in the Bunny Batallion adventure to make it both enjoyable to read and write. The NPCs - all of them, from the rabbits and bunnies to the guild members and hostiles - all feel like real people, rather than paper cutouts. But there's also enough hooks and cues for serious story developments that it's not a piece of cotton candy fluff. So I like where the story has been going, and want it to keep going in that direction. You can have pathos and comedy in the same story, and I happen to think the best stories keep a bit of both.
I do have to say I think my answer is skewed because I and the Bobahendrix have been playing characters that skew towards lighthearted stories withour simple-minded motivations and intelligence scores (LOL). But I think we've managed to make a serious story out of what we're working with despite that. I mean we have a floating watercolor bunny and a pet gnoll mage in our party, which is as ridiculous as it sounds, and yet still real concerns as a player that these precious NPCs are going to come to great harm if we play our cards wrong during the course of our questing.
I think you're one of the better DMs I have met on this site, which surprises the hell out of me because I wasn't expecting that from an open recruitment ongoing thread. I was actually thinking this was going to turn into sandbox madness, and instead it hasn't - it's remained a structured story with plot hooks at every point along the way. Just make sure all that dedication doesn't overwhelm you, is my advice - it shouldn't feel like a chore to update the DnD thread, if you know what I mean.
Also if you ever stop this and decide to have a private game instead, please send me an invite. LOL
First, please take care of yourself. By that I mean remember everyone deals with stress different. Some have to grieve, some laugh, some mock, etc. Etc.. take the time to decompress. After that my advise is handle your living situation, because it's going to be hard to get some stress relief until that is resolved. If that means pausing this game then that's what you do. The players who are into the game will be here when you get back.
As to the style of the story and its tone. Everyone plays for different reasons and for different needs. Those reasons and needs can change as often as everytime the play (or post). That includes you as a DM. If you want dark and doomed, comedy, light hearted or drama I am sure this medium and player base can handle it. I also feel your an accomplished enough writer to handle the tone changes while still telling the story you want to tell.
I do agree with Enkida, in that you may want to pause recruitment until your settled. Dealing with real life complications while pondering a potentially infinitely expanding update each day seems as doomed as getting to the top of your infinite tower.
Thank you for the game so far, it has gotten me through several bad days at work. And have a good day.
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
I am 100% fine with whatever works for you as a DM! Having fun.
I'm OK with either, though I will say I'm feeling a bit aimless right now. But perhaps you've got a fix for that already in the works.
This is stress relief for everyone recruited onto this post. I'm sure if someone didn't like the tone, they'd have left by now. Don't worry about the players, the fact that you have more coming than going shows your audience is happy with the content.
Adding stress by delaying stuff IRL or worrying about the players obviously is going in the wrong direction. Get ahead of it, we can wait.
Do whatever you need to do to keep your sanity. I agree with Enkida though. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stopping recruitment temporarily could alleviate some stress. I don't know how you make time for it all as it is!
Yaw - Genasi, Bard (3), College of Lore - Tower of Heaven
Thank you all for your feedback, I am glad you are all enjoying everything so far, and based on everything I've heard, I will be doing a few things.
1. Closing Open recruiting, at least temporarily. I do actually enjoy the new story every now and again, but when someone new pops up out of the blue it certainly shift things a bit. I tend to chisel things out slowly and work with old material until I can really get things rolling, so it's not too problematic, but still. I'm still expecting to add one more player before too soon, they've got something quite intresting in the works.
2. Slowing down my posting speed, and keeping you informed about it via signature. I like keeping the ball rolling and being resolute, and I enjoy writing these everyday, but lately I've been shoving it later and later. However, my spring break has just started, so it won't be too sluggish until afterwards. I'll start with once every two days as of this post, starting with a post tonight, hopefully, which'll ramp up next week and then slow down again.
3. Being fickle about combat encounters, they are the thing that actually take the most wind out of me, cause I'm not actually writing anything. I still do like those big dangerous threats for serious stuff, but most likely, from now on, anything you encounter will go down in one, maybe two hits tops barring big baddies. Posting lots of dice rolls and posting and then re posting results can be a real headache, especially with the big red bar shows up and virtually invalidates everything. D&D beyond fix your goddamn rollback system, I really should make a handful of bug reports. I have seriously wasted hours of my life messing with bold text and the editor, honestly.
4. Getting organized, and getting out there. Obviously, I have a love for discrete parsings of info about my world, half because I enjoy it, and half because I don't have 100% of everything written down, and being able to build things from the ground up on a per player basis is usually better. However, when people just jump in, they don't have anything to go off of, which means I gotta pick up the slack before the line starts sinking. So, sometime soon, I'll have an actual repository somewhere, probably create a Patreon (everything related to this will be unlocked, but I like the idea of my hobby paying off) which will include anything and everything I should declare as common or inconsequintial knowledge, not just for you, but for me, cause I like writing that stuff and other stuff. Also, it will be something for me to put extra effort into on off days, I'll probably put in my signature what I'm working on. Feel free to completely ignore this one if you like this as it is, but if you want read my other fiction, or my fiction from this world, or my non-fiction from this world along with critical reports discussing it's valdiity which are also entirely fictional, then bada-boom this is the place for you.
Anyway, my pizza is getting cold. Thanks again, everyone, and do expect some intresting changes for my sake, but overall, the overall tone should remain consistent and I'll still keep of my long term plans regarding the upcoming season ;). Cheers.
DM for Tower of Heaven
Posting Speed:
Full Response WeeklyI ExistInfo and other stuff: https://www.patreon.com/PPDND?fan_landing=true (Nothing here? I Need a better place to put this)
I second Enkida. This is your 'shake-up'. I had mine as a DM a few months ago. You set boundaries and stick to them, and you remember that people who don't enjoy your game have the choice to stop. You can't let this become a chore.
Sounds great! I also want to add that I'm really enjoying the story so far. I like the odd mix of magic/Syfy.
Yaw - Genasi, Bard (3), College of Lore - Tower of Heaven
Outer Corvidae - Rosebush Tent:
Orina & Jogs: After a bit of Prodding, the snoring finally ceases and Tibet wakesup with a start. "Ah! oh...sorry...you are Orina and Jogs, right? I must've been overworking myself." He gets up and dusts himself off. "Good thing it wasn't someone else, I could've gotten in big trouble. I hope this can be our little secret...but I swear, I wasn't just slacking off, I could've sworn I saw something, like a ghost, and then it went black...maybe I was just dreaming already." He wipes some sweat from his brow and scratches his head. "Anyway what can I do for you, did your, uh, mission go well?" He looks up at Hainsley. "Oh, hello...your new...or am I the only one seeing the big rabbit?"
Hainsley puts a finger on his mouth. "Shhh, I am an omen, a forewarning...also, I'm a hare, not a rabbit, and probably neither one of those things." he says, in a shaky ghost-like voice. "I require...two parsnips, a carrot, and an onion to avoid the- pmmffa ha ha!." he cracks laughing. "Nah, just kidding everyone can see me, I just came along from where that dungeon thing was."
"And I don't know about wearing anything too fancy." says Hainsley "I could look the part of being fancy, but I doubt I could play it."
Also, When Orina looks outside, she see what appear to be some kind of meat vendor. There is a clown there who has ordered a chicken leg, and seeing him eat it in one hand while carrying a horn in the other is somewhat offputting.
Resolve:
The dwarf rubs her eyes, looking tired. "Oh, yeah, that...oh!" She seems to wake up more. "Are you interested in that, I no it sounds redicoulous but let me explain...you see in the tower, there's this big set of stairs you have to climb to get the the next level and I was..." she holds her tounge and gets a bit embarrased. "...Well, I was thinking might be...possible to build an elevator up to the top, and I was hoping someone could help me fetch supplies...but it sounds a bit rediculous saying it out loud, I don't know, are you still interested?"
Corvidae - Temple District:
A nearby Caretaker with black hair rushes over. "Stand back!" he says to you as the tieflings spasms begin to halt. He looks over him, and several passerbys are coming over, some even jumping in an attempting to help, but the Caretaker puts his hand up, and they don't move an inch. "Huh..." says the Caretaker, before looking up. "Well, just some minor exhaustion, nothing to worry about, everyone go about your day, we'll handle this!" With that, the crowd disperses, if slowly, and carries on. "Hey, I'll get his legs, you get his arms, take him over and lie him on the bench by the pool."
Liadon, in his mind, awakens in a dark place. Though there is light somewhere in the distance, it is far, far away...there are only monsters here, dimly illuminated. Your patron calls..."It walks in shadow in the light of day...a soul of stone and body of clay...the-" Your omen is cut short as the energy surging through you fades, and you feel yourself flung faster than the speed of light. You hit something, like passing through the surface of water, and suddenly there are bones everywhere, you knock them all about and they fall away from you. Someone is there who fall too, but you don't see them, you aren't even slowed down, you suddenly hit hard, what feels like sand, and it sprays up everywhere, but things go dark again. You think you can see light...and hear voices "lie him on the bench by the pool."
Chloro Hills:
Pertuie: ((Nah, Noldeme can go up to level 4, it was definitely hardest for your character being in the middle of all that.))
Xamodas looks in the distance...perhaps a day, maybe two, f he were to fly there, a day definitely, but these wings might take some getting used to. ((Also, I will mention Corvidae Castle (where Nae's patron wants her to go) and The Tower are different places, but I wasn't sure if Xamodas was trying to convince them to go there instead))
As you all are looking out, you notice something has crept along the hillside to get a closer look at you...you turn around, and see a kobold staring, it has brown scales mottled with red, and something in it's hand. When it sees you noticed, it yips quickly darts off in the other direction.
Greenport:
Honour: "I was testing a snare to catch someone in the act." He says a bit horsely from being upside-down. "I accidently stepped in it when you banged on my door real hard and got startled. He starts calling out a name. "Sarah! Sarah- Ah, sorry, that's my assistant, she's just too busy listening to that Wavey or whatever she calls it." He sees you pull out the axe. "Hey, woah careful now, I don't need another axe throwing scar, one is plenty."
Your elf friend turns to you. "Maybe we should just put a chair on a desk or something...oh, I bet I have a spell..." he starts flipping through his spellbook. Meanwhile, you're testing the wind...yes, approximately 0 knots, perfect weather...not likely to change unless someone opens up a window.
Blackport:
((They're all rumors you've heard about potential ways of magical travel, you might ask around about one or two of them hoping for answers, although, there's no guarente you'll find them, but something will definately happen))
(I assume) You head to the outskirts of town, to a wagon station. The ticketmaster asks. "So, you planning to head to Corvidae, or Glanyr-" You sneezes and blow into a hankerchief. "..Glanyrafon? Sorry about that, I swear I'm cursed or something to sneeze whenver someone talks to me. Not sick or anything. Ahem, anyway, you heading to one of those places, or stopping along the way. Also, when do you plan on leaving?"
Temple District - Grand Abode:
You take a seat in the library, and some herbal tea is brought to you. Disguising it might be a good idea, but it seems few, even none, recognize it fully for what it is unless. You have heard with such dangerous artifacts that an avergage child could carry it and it would be no more harmful than the average quarterstaff, but those attuned with Her would certainly take notice of it's power. Right now, it's not about being seen with it, but about who sees it, you should be more than safe here, hopefully...you think someone just made a strange look at you...
((It's a metal quarterstaff that looks like a bony hand with sharp fingers, no markings, you might be able to pass it off as just a fancy cane to the reasonably dull))
Unfortunately the library is much to closeby and the tea much to hot to finish quickly, so you end up blowing on it awkwardly while standing in the doorway. A female human wizard in a blue hat looks at you strangely...is it the deathclaw- "Sir, if i may, I have a quick cantrip, I can cool that down for you quickly." They offer, raising a hand ready to cast a spell.
The Vilemind:
Yaw: "I guess this is what they were talking about with an emergency backup... and restoring the facility that I destroyed? Wait...who are you, how did you...wait, you haven't restored power, have you? This is a ship, a terrible ship, this is The Vilemind! " He says with dire urgency. Upon your deadpan at the name he continues..."Wait, that name, it means nothing to you? That can only mean one thing, then. Please, tell me about this place, not here, I mean, but your plane, or, your planet maybe? Err, what's the name of your land, I suppose. There's something important you need to know depending on your answer, but it's different depending on your answer, it'll make sense in the meantime. Just please, don't do anymore repairs."
Wagon Park -> The Crow Bar:
You walk through the fairgrounds, heading toward the Inn you were reffered to. About you are all sorts of games, tests of strength, mind, and dexterity that people are playing, spending their gold to earn bonds, or using bonds to earn prizes, and occasionally just playing for fun. A muscular man bests another foe in arm wrestling, vendors and clowns are all about (leshanna stops by one of the vendors and quickly purchases a bag of charcoal, herbs, an incense, which dordis immediately recognizes as the components for a find familiar spell), and most notably are roped off circles where friendly duels go down with people wagering on the sidelines. You make it to your destination, a modest looking dive not too far from the gates of the city, and you head inside. You must say, for a place where Caretakers frequent, it sure is a lot saltier than you imagined. A human woman with dark skin and curly, tied up hair greets you as you walk in. "Ah! If it isn't you three trouble-trouts, you got here pretty fast, but word travels faster." You notice, despite wearing the uniform of a caretaker, the neat vest and white shirt, she does not have a golden feather pin on. "I'm Lucy, probably already know your names..." she closes one eye and sticks out her tounge as she points you out. "...Let's see, Leshanna, of course, who could miss her, who never misses? Dordis, the Green, but also Silver, and also Blue, and also very, very smart and well spoken and...and Perserverence, was it...no, Zacherverence, of course, the great good aspect! Lastly, Azorha, the third wheel turned fourth wheel...Anyway, enough of my showing off and maybe creeping you out, What can I do you four for?"
DM for Tower of Heaven
Posting Speed:
Full Response WeeklyI ExistInfo and other stuff: https://www.patreon.com/PPDND?fan_landing=true (Nothing here? I Need a better place to put this)
The Crow Bar > Leshanna, Dordis, Zacharias and Azorha(Azorah/Azhora?)
Dordis Falthenfyern
Dordis shows some interest, yet his eyes focus onward to get to this tavern, paying some attention to Leshanna's component gathering, but he lets it pass.
As Dordis walks into the tavern, expecting a different ambience and feel from a location these caretakers usually stay within, only to be greeted with an entirely different one.
Nonetheless, he notices Lucy, and lets her finish her ramblings before beginning to speak. "Well, that's a way to simplify our descriptions, I suppose? Anyway, I have not been to a tavern myself, actually. Infact, this is my first time to be invaded with this—" He pauses, "-this type of impression for a place, I guess. Well, em, what are the services that this place provides?" Dordis's eyes move to look at this group expectantly, showing some frustration over themself.
Corvidae- Temple District
Iam drops his spear from his left hand where it is on the ground. He then takes his shield off and attaches it to his back pack while the Caretaker warns off the gathering crowd. As the Cartaker instructs Iam to take the arms he does so, leaving his spear behind as he helps carry Liadon to the bench. On the way to the bench Iam gives a brief account to the Caretaker.
"I am called Iam. This is Liadon. He suddenly became unconscious and fell. I used Basic Biological Stabilization (Stabilize the Dying) on body, and called for help. Thank you for this. He was kind enough to show myself to this district and I was trying to convince him to take in the architecture and art here with myself. He said he really needed to go. I tend to forget Biologicals get tired more easily than myself."
Iam's voice is full of concern and self doubt on whether he some how caused this by asking too much energy from his new associate in there walk about town.
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
"Zacha ... rias," Zacharias corrects her slowly, as if his mind is somewhat occupied by what she just said. "That's a very interesting trick. I represent the Aspect of Perseverance." He looks down at himself, placing a hand on his chest. "You can see that about me? What else do you know?" He smiles at her, looking pleased.
Corvidae - Temple District
Liadon feels completely drained of energy, he hasn't felt this weak since he was an orphan on the streets on the brink of death. His mind swims with strange visions & sensations. "Why? What have I done that you call to me so forcefully?" Liadon wonders of his patron.
Never before has it demanded he act on his pact through interference. Truly, he has even delayed or ignored his pact before--""haven't I?"-- but all that was done was a purple tint in his vision. He feels for the power from his patron. He can sense it, but it feels....isolated, blocked. "Are you denying me?" he wonders. But that doesn't seem right. His patron has never denied him before, and this "isolation" feels external. "Can something really be powerful enough to deny my patron?"
As Liadon begins to regain some of his strength, he is blinded by the sunlight in his eyes. The purple haze is gone and he sees a Caretaker over him. He hears a worried voice above his head and looks. This strange brass being --"no, Iam. I just met him"-- looks down at him and Liadon's eyes open wide. They sting from the sudden opening and begin to water, but he stares nonetheless. He is stricken with surprise and confusion that he is unable to hide as he stares at the symbol of his patron, a purple eye, hovering in space over Iam's head. The eye seems to emit a purple haze onto Iam, bathing him in purple.
"What? Why? No, I just met him," Liadon says aloud as he tries to sit up. He cranes his neck trying to keep is view on the eye as he sits up and swings his legs off the bench. He still hasn't regained his strength, and his attempt simply rolls him off the bench instead. He falls flat onto his chest painfully but still keeps staring at the eye. "Surely, you know I can't now. I've got too much to do. Not now, that would be two years wasted."
The omen booms into in his head over and over- "IT WALKS IN SHADOW IN THE LIGHT OF DAY...A SOUL OF STONE AND BODY OF CLAY..." His hands cover his ears, pushing the wig further off his horns. It does not help as the omen repeats deafeningly in his head. The last time it repeats, though still loud, sounds muffled, and the eye above Iam fades from existence on the last recounting. Liadon's strength instantly returns to him, but the block on his power remains. He slowly removes his hands from his ears and gets off his chest to stand. He finally realizes that his disguise has been compromised, his horns exposed under his off-kilter wig.
Temple District - Grand Abode
Ulrich blushes. "No, don't waste it. My own fault, I did not think it would be so hot. I am waiting for a meeting. Just trying to pass the time. Don't let me delay you."
He'll lean the deathclaw against the wall and lean against it, as if to just properly hold the cup as he blows on it.
Corvidae- Temple District
"Liadon!, I don't th..." Iam says as he squats down reaching out as Liadon falls from the bench. "Easy! easy! your going to hurt yourself. Everything is alright! you fell unconscious." Iam relates very confused by what Liadon says out loud. As the blue haired wig moves Iam doesn't seem to be surprised at all, nor does he react in any way to the revelation of horns. Iam voice does express worry and sorrow for the state of Liadon whom he is addressing and his eyes seem to be looking at Liadon's face searching for some sign that Liadon is alright. he holds his arms out to help Liadon back up to the bench he fell off of.
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
Orina and Jogs (Bunny Battalion) | Outer Cordivae
Jogs responds to Tebit. “Him? The hare? Oh he’s our proof of a job well done. Not only did we take care of Magullickson’s problem, but we also cleared out one of old Barnabus’ dungeon constructions. Cleaned out totally. Nothing left. Not to mention it collapsed behind us. It’s rubble now.”
She pauses. “We’re happy to have helped Rosebush; maybe now you can help us. We’re looking for some... I think they’re called Wildren. We’re tracking them . It’s related to Rosebush business. We heard that... they might be in the garden district. Know anybody like that? Or have a connection we could speak with?”
She clears her throat; smoke trickles from her nostrils.
“um...We also lost track of Grr Grr Frr. No idea where he went, personal business I guess.”
Jogs glances at Orina before continuing. “This is just my opinion, but I think we did a pretty darn great job for Rosebush. I’m not that bright but I do know that work was worth something. And we’re a bit short on funds. What do you say, Toolbit?”
persuasion: 18