"Blade Hunting" Aug 23-25 Event Review

[Dramm a'dan]

Ok folks, lets hear those reviews, What you enjoyed, favorite moment as well as what we can do to help improve your time on the weekends.

Remember, you get 15GS for writing a review, so make sure you put your name on it so we can get the GS to you.

 

[Third]

I had a great time, despite being pretty much in a daze most of the day saturday. I don't know if it was the heat, the lack of sleep, or the various RL stuff that happened before game started, but I didn't participate much saturday. People were running around gathering stuff for the potions (one of which was apparently for the king?) and I just sort of checked in occasionally and went "okay, that's good."

A few high points:
When I was sent to kneel in the gravel, I saw the NPC's approaching out of game, and immediately decided I wasn't going to move when the fight started if nobody told me to. Right away, the colonel yelled "third, on your feet!" and I bounced upright despite being in armor. Then, as soon as the fight ended, I went back and knelt in the gravel again.

Giving Kerza **** and threatening him with dire fates for being drunk on duty. Pretty sure nobody else heard it, but it was a good moment of Rp.

Bolli's songs were great, and I've still got the home guard one stuck in my head.

The fight against the alpha, me running back to my cabin to get my two handed sword, and immediately getting commanded. I heard several people go "oh, ****!" and then I started pounding on them. I swung at Nazrat a few times, and sam's orc (whose name I can't remember) started attacking him as well, which I thought was awesome.

Then Garnett walking up and saying "are these werewolves?", so I turned towards him. 'Ten magic!" thud! "Yup, they sure are!" as he backed up.

At one point in that particular fight, I spun around just in time to actually physically parry a waylay from Nox.

Low points:
Nothing significant really comes to mind, at least nothing game-related. I wasn't really all there for parts of this event, and large parts of saturday before dinner are just a blur.

I'm sure I could post more stories and funny things that happened, but it's hard to type with this bandage on my finger.

 

[Cynewulf Torynsskald]

My favourite moment was the ‘ambush’… despite Bolli being an utter fool, getting lost, almost screwing up the whole caper, stepping in shin-deep mud and almost getting slay-ed we were successful (thanks to the competence and forgiveness of compatriots).

I loved the effort put forth by the NPCs to RP during combat. JP took the time to issue challenges as the final villain throughout the last battle, to pick his targets and basically, act menacingly; Corey yelled out a 70 Slay and gave us a moment to reel in fear before proceeding, the girl with the glasses played a brilliant little gnoll scout (she answered Bolli’s challenge with a feisty, “grrrrrrrrrrBARK!” and swung her red boffers LIKE CLAWS). Much love to the epic weirdness of the Maggot-brood… clicking to echo locate us was genius.

The incremental danger of the Mushroom battle was perfect for getting low-levellers like Bolli involved in the battle, while still challenging the high level characters to ‘finish the job’. Excellent idea.

My suggestion for next game is for the PCs to try to bring more to game to fill the spaces between plot events. I tried my best to add some flavour during the down-times, but it wasn’t easy. I sang songs, offered gold for a target shooting match, tried to get people to translate a letter from home and find a treasure I buried…
The tavern is usually empty. Could someone start a casino game in there? Or have an arm-wrestling tournament? Could we have a live target shoot (pin the arrow on the dwarf?) Could the sergeants lead a shield wall tactic training, or call out the guard for a parade march and inspection? Can one of our gypsies read some tea leaves or tarot cards? Could a barbarian throw the bones?
Could we supplement the meal plan by people bringing desserts from their homelands (Dwarf Pudding? Elven tarts? Dryad grass-cakes?
There are some many things we could do, if every players had something up their sleeve prepared, there would be no down-time, and we could take some pressure off of plot.
Brotherhood could challenge the Home guard to a tug-of war, loser has to send volunteers to clean the supper dishes.
Some of the Veterans could prepare tales of the past exploits of Parson’s Breach, to bring the rest of us newbs up to speed, but with flare. Who could tell the tale of the lost Dwarf Claggen? Or an epic account of Cara Vale and her mysterious dealings. With a little preparation, we could be informed and entertained at the same time.
We could have a debate, medieval style, like, “What is more valuable, Love, Honor or Wealth?”, or “Which race contributes most to the cultural life of the Breach?” or “Should gnolls be allowed as citizens of Parson’s Breach?”
Bring one of those wood puzzles and pretend it is a lock on a strongbox, and offer half of the contents to whomever can open it.
Hold a battle tournament with strange rules and offer a prize for the winner (I considered the Dwarven challenge of fighting with a mug of ale in one hand, and the first to 5 hits without spilling half of the contents wins). Put on a full faced helm and do a little William Tell archery practice.
Maybe offer a prize to whomever can weave the best basket from the local plants to hold the golden egg.
If you are a vain character, offer a prize to whomever writes the best poem about you, on a theme of your choosing, to be performed at the firepit for all to hear… (e.g. write a poem about how great a lover I am, or how great my battle prowess is, or how wise I am,etc).

Another idea is to have a Trade/Swap bazaar in game…. All of us have old costume stuff we do not want, that we used for an old character…. Bring it, we put it out on the table and have a silent auction of in-game coin…. If there is anything that Plot really wants to have in their stores, they can send NPCs to bid on them. This way, we all get better costumes, (recycle, reuse kids). We would just need one of the PCs to take on the task of setting these events up… right?

I could go on and on about things PCs could bring to game to make it more awesome, but I digress…..

Great game, NPCs and PCs. I was overwhelmed by the inclusiveness and the generosity of everyone.

 

[phil90]

* I originally wrote a whole lot more but just lost it*

I really like my first event as a player. The dryad will come back I am sure.

It was fun to go all over the place lookign for ingredients with my little group mainly the Earthweaver. Thank you to those who escorted us.
I was actually surprised that most of the players were not willing to help us and it turned into a weird situation when we were going to the Grove and ran into 8 Mushrooms. The Dryad sure felt quite small.

I think there was just enough going on. I was always on the go somewhere. I had a little bit of downtime and it was good for we were tired.

Thank you for the game

 

[Breten]

It was fun to go all over the place lookign for ingredients with my little group mainly the Earthweaver. Thank you to those who escorted us.
I was actually surprised that most of the players were not willing to help us and it turned into a weird situation when we were going to the Grove and ran into 8 Mushrooms. The Dryad sure felt quite small.

I just want to point out that may not have been the case. We sat around a few times and watched people wander off. Most of us had no idea you guys were also looking for a potion for the king which we heard about at te fire late sat night. We tried to tell everyone about the cure for Third, but we find that the Earthweavers and Sanctum members go off on their secret missions, but don't share anything with others, and then wonder why no one's helping or everyone died.

Great event, had a blast as usual, my knee bothering limited how much I went around on this weekend a little. Some things coming up I'm looking forward to. I liked how Plot started addressing some concerns regarding the Brotherhood and it's perceived nature as a mercenary company rather than a guild/adventuring party.

 

[Clover Bluemoon]

I did my best to let everyone know what we were looking for on the lists. I was handed the third recipe for the King and thought I had made it clear, but we were looking for so many things its was crazy. I did enjoy it though, I didn't have really any down time in between actions, I was off helping as much as could, still learning how to use the skills I have, I thought we had great PC participation for hunting for ingriedients, had to get pretty creative in finding a bunch, but it was worth it. I thought it all went well with staying busy, keeping entertained, and feeling like a part of something bigger. Loved the Mushrooms..... esp my hubby up there lol still gets me giggling to see him acting all "mushroom like" in the grove. and the "boom Berry Juice" the lizards played that out very very well. I enjoyed having to haggle with them for items that we needed, great we didn't have to kill them off. Though it did make me slightly nervous to see their boffers casually sitting on the ground.... I loved leading "armadillo Abbey" away from the Goblin camp, the little scared whimpering sounds were an added bonus.. felt so very very sorry for him.. Till he puked..<eww!>
Kristen attempting to eat a cupcake.. I attempted to help her but got severely growled at for my efforts.. great entertainment.. (mental note always have goodies on hand)

As for defects, The kid.. something a little cleaner next time?

Also, would like to remind people, I am nice, I love to help you out. but making potions and making alchemy that I use to help you out, costs me production and coin. I am willing to fair and even trades, even post dated. Other than that, great game all.

 

[phil90]

I just want to point out that may not have been the case. We sat around a few times and watched people wander off. Most of us had no idea you guys were also looking for a potion for the king which we heard about at te fire late sat night. We tried to tell everyone about the cure for Third, but we find that the Earthweavers and Sanctum members go off on their secret missions, but don't share anything with others, and then wonder why no one's helping or everyone died.
turing party.

The potion quest was in no way a secret mission I actually spend the whole weekend yelling it all over the place and literally screaming at people who felt it was not important. I actually never was told by any PC or NPC that it was a secret. I was actually made aware that everyone knows that the king had been affected by a condition.
If we had more people We would have been more efficient with more than one group and we would have certainly have been more prepare for fights if we had a mix group not essentially Earth Casters. Mar actually helped us pretty much the whole time cause it was his duty to help the king.

 

[Myhkul]

The weekend was great!

In particular:
- The sliding scale of the mushrooms, and the spoor release was a great. There was a place and time for anyone to get involved! Well worth the repeat!
- The battle with the Were was also very well balanced and a lot of fun!
- The Sunday combination of traps, Gnolls and Trolls was great! Layered and great effort by all the NPCs!
- Getting to see Ithawda's spirit one more time! Tears were shed, but thanks to the players who provided the ritual and reagents. Thank you!
- The flow and pace from mid Saturday on was great!

Some things that we could work on. Only the first two have much weight, the rest are "fussy bits".
- Asking for feedback. When someone tells you how it felt for them, we should not correct, explain or argue. If you ask for feedback you ACCEPT it as offered. Please.
- The RP was thin. It was not so much that we (including me) were talking "out of game" as we were talking "out of character". We need to help each other by pointing out when we are using "Infernal speak". Should the deputies start fining and putting in the stocks repeat offenders? They are obviously crazed and must be secured for their own protection!
- There were very few patrols as it seemed there was little in the way of ingredients or plot/story items that could be found other than than in modules (that I know of). Apparently Boli has a hidden treasure! Doh!
- Group missions should have a core of the required group (Arcane, Earth, Homeguard etc) but should be open and include others. Lets not exclude folks!
- Friday and Saturday felt a little disjointed or uneven. More a series of events than a flowing story line.

Comments that fall in neither category:
- As PLOT reminded us, they spend a LOT of time on the game between games. And they get to hear and talk about the whole game. As a PC I only hear what happens near me and only at the event. When I am in the field, I have not idea what is going on up at the tavern. So for the NPCs who wonder why the PCs seem to be less well informed... DUH! <grin> We don't hear or see all the words or events that happen in game or in between game.
- Having to buy critical components from NPCs (this time) and PCs (last time) is awkward. Killing them seems wrong, and having the same folks offer up gold each time while others get "T-Rex arms" is getting old quickly. I hope Boli got back his real world stuff that was used get us past those two bad choices. If it is treason to not give the items up, is it also treason not to empty your purse to buy those items? Hummmm....

 

[Breten]

I just want to point out that may not have been the case. We sat around a few times and watched people wander off. Most of us had no idea you guys were also looking for a potion for the king which we heard about at te fire late sat night. We tried to tell everyone about the cure for Third, but we find that the Earthweavers and Sanctum members go off on their secret missions, but don't share anything with others, and then wonder why no one's helping or everyone died.
turing party.

The potion quest was in no way a secret mission I actually spend the whole weekend yelling it all over the place and literally screaming at people who felt it was not important. I actually never was told by any PC or NPC that it was a secret. I was actually made aware that everyone knows that the king had been affected by a condition.
If we had more people We would have been more efficient with more than one group and we would have certainly have been more prepare for fights if we had a mix group not essentially Earth Casters. Mar actually helped us pretty much the whole time cause it was his duty to help the king.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to indicate it was a secret or anything. Nor was I trying to argue with Phillippe as Mike seems to be pointing out, I'm just trying to discuss it with him so we can clear things up. I'm just stating from our view a bunch of us had not been informed we were looking for a potion for the King as well. In fact every member of the Brotherhood had no idea. I;m just pointing out that we sometimes think everyone knows, but it's often not the case. We were aware we were looking for ingredients, but we had no clue there was a third potion, let alone that it was for the king. Especially since he said he had been doing great since we last saw him.

 

[phil90]

By the way I was surprised that we were asked to make a potion for the king as well. I actually got the information second hand.
I did not think you were arguing and I don't mean to do it. I just wanted to point out that people of the breach need to work together. I have seen them doing it and they do amazing things but often they just simply do not do it. I swear that sometimes I felt our small venturing group was alone against the whole world.

 

[Mechtofd]

Honestly I had an amazing time this weekend though my review will be a little disjointed according to the order it comes to mind:

the comment about how long the home guard took on that one module: I sent kerza for reinforcements but it seemed like the bulk of the town was on another thing where we couldn't reach them while the golem was swinging for death and taking alot of damage to take down. It took us time and alot of tactics to squeakpast that. though i did like the moral quandry caused by kerza. Getting to battle with mars sense of honour versus what had to be done on the kings command was an amazing feeling for me.

the new players: it was great to see so many new people come out i loved both the new pcs and npcs. one of my favorite parts of new pcs is when theyre wary of our generosity. XD

the baby: I loved peoples reactions to mars lack of maternal instinct it was hilarious and thank you everyone especially clover for helping care for the tyke. It was really fun.

the spectral night: one of the most tiring things i did was fighting the knight dramatically for three minutes with my audience of one XD it was fun imaginging putting all best flair that isn't combat legal into fighting an opponent i couldn't see. tiring in one spurt i mean after the whole weekend i was wiped.

JP: like people have said he has great villian flair alot of the time i did find it an interesting touch when us first few got overwhelmed and he dragged us aside to die. thank ummmm lack of a diety for their is no religion for observant healers.

I do feel we are getting better at keeping ourselves busy during slower times and i'm sure with all the good ideas i've seen put out we'll get even better about it we've definitely gotten way better about it since my first game that much is certain. I do have to say that kerza an bolli are two characters that have really inspired me to up my roleplay to new levels and i love losing myself in the wilds of mars head.

 

[mythic]

I hope Boli got back his real world stuff that was used get us past those two bad choices.

Paul actually donated those items into PLOT. He just found a cool way to give them to us through the RP. :thumbsup:

 

[Dar'nath]

So for my weekend I had a great time.

My highlights would have to be Friday night as the goblin doing hit and run tactics against the pcs and the "epic" battle against the archmage...lol
Also having the one on one fight with Hamish was a Blast. Great way to get back into the Breach.
Getting to slap on chainmail and come out as Ragnar was good fun too not sure if I dropped anyone but had fun doing what I could.
Biggest highlight was the Mushroom fights getting to sit there and take beatings. and the Rp that took place between me and Vegar... ( good Job man)


Drawback's was the down time mixed with the heat all day(which is not in plots power to change really). On Saturday night I fell asleep at 9:30 and woke up again at like 2 am missed the werewolves fight. The fact that Abbey had to leave on Saturday got a lot of us worried I know I was worried greatly for him.
Muster time of the PC's for encounters could be better, mind you I am sure that they could say the same for the npc's too...lol
and roleplaying is always a key key thing... So when a hook or marshal takes you on a winding path through a bunch of stuff don't fall out of character and think that you can see things that aren't really there.
I know it is hard to envision what each place is... we as plot and npc's are working with what we have.


Great job everyone.

Cheers
Ben

 

[Sakero303]

Heyo! Alrighty, finally found time to get this thing done! :wacko:

Overall the weekend was a blast and always enjoyable, though also the most draining with spells! I had a fortress spell to my name was all that was left ^-^;

Pros:
-I enjoyed the insta-mods that came in and the instant lairs. Each had their own dangers, and I have to applaud both the quick design and the ability to finish them up. It was amusing finding one as we were on that last major battle pathway!
-Battles were spaced out and well timed, and the npcs coming in and out were a decent balance for combat and non.
-Seeing the Faction-based mission appear more prominently has been giving a better sense of purpose for each 'guild'. I think it's also assisted the Home guard to feeling a lot more concrete for themselves (previous months before the summer it felt much akin to being an Imperial Guardsmen from Warhammer I think.)

Cons
- Nothing serious was to be about this event, there was a minor private issue but it looks to have been settled. Most of my complaints are to the sun, which we can't quite deal with as of yet

Overall it was fairly nice seeing the ability to have on Saturday so many available NPCs. Hope I can have half as much fun as an NPC later this year ^_^

 

[angilwingz]

Here's my event review for RAIEDRA

I'll write my review first, then read the others, so I apologize if I cover any of the same points....

First the bad...(well it's not that bad, but) Unfortunately there were moments during this event that I felt bored. This was because of a combination of factors. Some of the NPCs were fighting alongside the PCs at times for example the Friday Night Goblin killing.

Also, During times when random gnolls or other creatures were wandering, I found it hard to get a fight started without a huge group joining in and making short work of it. I tried to look for some insta-lairs but for some reason those things are invisible to me. I apparently walked right past a few without noticing them. The character interaction had sort of a relaxed, lazy feel as well this time. Yes, sometimes the entire town is needed to fight something (like those HUGE MUSHROOMS...AHHH) But not always. Multiple groups working on different things is good. The dryads looking for ingredients, the team working for the Baron in the Grove, and the team working for the Baron in the mine.....If you work in the grove, don't go to the mine. If you work in the mine, go to the mine and don't invite the people working in the grove!
I have some ideas on how to occupy the down time a little better next time. I should note that the boredom did not last very long, but it's included in the review because this was the first Alliance event that I've felt this way about. I

This next point is more of a so-so sort of thing. The sleeper NPC we had....I thought he was a PC (yes I know that was the idea) however...on one hand, I liked his character, the interactions with him and all, on the other hand, kind of disappointing to find out that it wasn't actually a PC.

On to the Good...

TROLL-BALL...loved it. Again I was disappointed that we didn't get to hunt for our own troll head, but it was made up for by the trolls that arrived at the end of the game. That game is so much fun, and the archery range is a good size for a Troll-ball field. Need more Troll Ball!

The disembodied voice of Kara Vale.....Good timing, and stirred up some good role play among PCs during the time of day that people otherwise slip out of character. It led to some interesting arguments / discussions, and I think everyone learned a little more about their own character's values and goals.

Treasure Hunters....Great to have NPCs with goals, led to some really awesome RP and not the usual - "ok kill it" sort of reaction like with Goblins and Gnolls. Our NPCs are super fabulous at playing believable, non cookie cutter characters.

Traps....OW! But awesome.

Mushrooms....loved the scaling intensity.

 

[Mobeus]

I enjoyed the event. I felt a real change in looting, as people are now acutely aware of value, due to the changes in Merchant. I will discuss that in a follow up post which has more to do with how we might have to deal with treasure in the future, so keep an eye out for it.

I loved the descriptors for the different areas we entered, showed a quality of work using our imagination..

I enjoyed the Mushroom scenario... "Oh, they are really no problem.. don't worry so much." Yeaaaahhh...

The time elemental was fascinating, and really pressed the issue of needing the other crystals for those who saw it..

I really liked the new Magic Item Lock Box, less to track down for people since Magic Items are going into game regularly.

I was quite surprised, despite everyone asking to have their ritual scrolls identified, no one actually wanted any Rituals on them during the weekend. I don't think I am becoming unapproachable like other powerful Mages, so I wonder what's happening.

We kinda have a great need for more reagents, their scarcity will be felt in the coming months.

Cheers,

Aaron Thompson

 

[Garou52]

Whoops just a tad late with my reply

I enjoyed this event as well. I found that it went very smoothly. kudos right again to the plot team and the Npc.

Favorite parts: Scaling mushrooms. great idea that all lvl can enjoy
the use of traps was great. no more head long rushes into battle lol
happy that the insta mods are with us to stay as I really enjoy them


Cons: nothing really that sprang to mind