I had a lot of fun.
Here's what I really enjoyed.
How interconnected stuff is. This event was one that I really realized everything was more connected then I thought, and I can tell you that when I realized it, it was a fantastic feeling. You've all worked really hard to do this, and it's showing. I hope you're getting as much of a pay off as we are.
I
really liked the concept behind the ship mod. It was really creative.
The puzzle game is up there. Way better then anything I've seen in a long time. There were a ton of puzzles this weekend, and I think it gave a really nice break up to combat.
The tavern turned out really cool at night. Which I was worried about but, I think it did really well. It only looked ok in the day.
There was some down time but, I never felt bored. So I think we as players did a good job making our own fun when stuff was going on.
I have to say, Chris you've really gotten better at roleplaying different characters, since you've bought the chapter.
The mansion mod was kind of cool. I'm not a big fan of holds, or final fantasy fights where everyone pauses to get setup. That being said, it was cool.
Running mods with just the OEF is such a fantastic experience. I can't even explain how right it feels to be with you guys again.
That stone elemental costume looked badass! I wish it would have been for a big(ger) fight.
I also really liked the first step in Evan's transform. I don't know who did that but, the long incants were unique. A++.
Vacuum Packages! It's great to share rules. Although I'd prefer we find a way to standardize the entire package so that the rules are exactly the same. We need to probably also cut out the chapter specific disadvantages (Are you guys sure you don't want Oni in the game?
)
We've been slowly pulling Emerald Flame members out of retirement, it's been so much easier with you guys running a great game.
Here's what I didn't like.
The tent camping wasn't as bad as I thought. But, what the neon colored tents really killed my immersion. As did our camper (I'm going to make the case that we don't use a camper again). The tavern didn't look so great in the day time either. I think, what would help is that if we as a chapter took some steps to at least pretend we're not sleeping in modern tents. I'd love to see Hog, Emerald Flame Banners, Moonless Nights Banners at all the tents. You could probably buy a really cheap plant holder that stakes into the ground to hang banners. We all have a responsibility to contribute to immersion.
Obviously, I'd prefer we didn't tent camp. But, I'm told I can't always have what I want.
Craftsmen Others: I ******* hate asking for them at the start of mods. It drives me bonkers. Most of the information everyone has to pretend they didn't hear, and try not to cheat. Additionally, it's usually not very useful. Craftsmen Other Undead Lore: Are there undead here? 2 minutes later they see undead. Not really useful. We're super guilty of this at South Michigan too. It's bad. I've got some ideas I'm going to try out. Maybe you guys can steal them.
As a follow up, from an out of game perspective it appeared there was/is a trap door in the haunted mansion. As when I was walking around it, I was asked what craftsmen others I had to see if I could see it. We're not playing dungeons and dragons, I understand there's repping limitations but, the fact that I may not have been able to see or discover a door I was looking for because I didn't spend 2 build on some skill, kind of rubs me the wrong way. Especially because I have other skills related to traps, and picking lock, that cost a ton more build.
Talking Out of Game: I don't know what else to say about this. Some members of the Emerald Flame were guilty of this, as were members of HoG. Higher level players have a responsibility to set the tone of the game, as younger players will learn by example. I think we dropped the ball big time this weekend.
Messiness of the Tavern: Trash was left everywhere. A lot of people didn't get charged for food, or I was only loosely caring for people who couldn't afford it. That kind of thing makes me not want to do it again. Cleaning up after yourselves is a must. (As a side note, a town trash can probably would help some.)
Costuming from higher level players: We gotta do better about this, again we're setting the bar for what's acceptable. We can and should do better. I know it's hot. I was wearing a ton of leather. But, we still need to do better.
No New Players! The event was still large for a Michigan Alliance Event but, I'm worried about growing TC. I think tent camping might be a big barrier, so the sooner we can stop doing that the better. Coming to a larp is already overwhelming with out having to setup a tent and worry about doing all that stuff right. I want all the success in the world for you guys and gals.