In game vs out of game clarifications

[evi1r0n]

So I have more questions because I can't stop thinking about random things:

1. If I (Ron) purchase things like fake torch, new scabbard, clothing and alcohol substitutes, how does character (Alcandar) explain having these new things in game?

2. Does part of that explanation include turning over in game coin to "purchase" the things I show up with (non weapons/armor)?

3. I know a big fiery stick is probably out of the question and I see very poorly in the dark. I purchased a fake torch with a light bulb and fan to make the cloth flame move. It's kinda cheesy but it was the best analog I could find. Is this sort of thing acceptable and/or common?

 

[Alavatar]

So I have more questions because I can't stop thinking about random things:

1. If I (Ron) purchase things like fake torch, new scabbard, clothing and alcohol substitutes, how does character (Alcandar) explain having these new things in game?

There are many ways you can explain it. Perhaps you performed a service for a tailor, perhaps you slaughtered a pack of goblins and found a few coins to pay for the stuff, perhaps you found a slaughtered adventurer whose clothes were relatively intact.

Make something up or ask plot!

2. Does part of that explanation include turning over in game coin to "purchase" the things I show up with (non weapons/armor)?

Only if you want the things to have a value. Costuming (including bags, clothes, etc) is generally considered value-less and don't need to actually be paid for. The only time you need to hand over coin for something you are bringing ingame that isn't tagged is when you want that item to have some sort of IG value.

3. I know a big fiery stick is probably out of the question and I see very poorly in the dark. I purchased a fake torch with a light bulb and fan to make the cloth flame move. It's kinda cheesy but it was the best analog I could find. Is this sort of thing acceptable and/or common?

Those are generally accepted and even encouraged! Especially at camps that don't like fire. There have been a few people that have brought battery operated torches, candles, and lanterns and they are encouraged so as to give light to those without Light spells or Liquid light. In fact, Bryan almost always has some hanging sconces that are very similar to how you described your torch, except they are plugged in.

Just don't use it as a weapon or to block with.

 

[obcidian_bandit]

What Seth said.

To expand on the first point:
Your character exists between games and goes about its life as normal. If normal means killing a few bugbears and double-foot kicking goblins down the stairs, that's what your character is up to. Events (and gamedays) just happen to be 'the most interesting/influential/etc' days in the characters life, not exceptions to their overall lifestyle (unless you'd really like to play it as though you don't get involved in those kinds of things until 'event time' rolls around for some reason). That's why you don't see characters wandering around saying "Man, once every month or so this place really goes to hell!" Some of the stuff happens (though to a lesser extent) everyday that happens at events, its just not on so grand a scale.

This means that your character might have killed some goblins, fought a few undead and found a few gold, and been killed and lifed. A few days later, you got drunk and lost the extra gold in a card game, got a few protectives from a local healer, and bought yourself a new shirt. Net, between games, you 'just so happen' to end up with the exact protectives, coin, potions, etc as you had at the end of the last game.

Keep in mind when making up what happened to your PC between games that it should all be pretty minor stuff. Your character couldn't have killed/had conversations with/etc a major NPC because no one on plot talked to you about it. You probably didn't come into possession of a lot of gold/magic items/ritual scrolls because those things might not have existed in your area or you might not have had access to them. Consider what you could do if you were walking down the street and found $20 or $50. That'd be interesting, you could probably get a good dinner or a video game or something, but you couldn't get a new car or any really cool stuff. Net, nothing that made a significant difference to how other people interact with you.

(If you do want to talk to an important NPC or start to investigate something between games, you can always email plot@alliance-seattle.com and we'll let you know how that turns out. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don't. Try to limit what you're trying to do to things you couldn't do at game. "I'd like to talk to Gemino" is better done at game, while "I'd like to send a letter to the Duke" is a good thing to do between games. Also, it helps if you keep things relatively short and concise. It's easier for Bond or I to get back to you if we can address your concerns one item at a time, rather then wait until we have a plot meeting if you're hitting multiple subjects that span several plot members.)

 

[evi1r0n]

Can things like armor and non-magic weapons be purchased during down time?

 

[Bond]

If they have a value, or you would like them to have a value (if you want armor points from that armor or if you want to use that shortsword) they need to be payed for/obtained/explained in game. This could be done during downtime through contact with the plot staff, but it can also be taken care of in-game at a gameday or an event.

 

[obcidian_bandit]

Generally, you can't do anything through plot between games that requires a tag. Plot people live all over the state, none of whom have access to the tag boxes easily. Now, you can purchase/trade/etc items with other players all you like, so long as they're ok with trading between games as well. In fact, it's even possible to purchase magic items this way (occasionally they go up for sale on the national board). Keep in mind that there's no e-bay for items, so buying an item from someone you've never met has inherent risks.