I miss the tabletop...

[K Man]

As most people here, you probably have a tabletop game that you run/participate in at home. One of the best things I miss, as a DM, is hearing all the players discuss the plotline, trying to guess the answers ahead of time.

You know... "Is the bad guy a vampire?", "Think the Queen is a traitor?"...those kinds of questions.

Due to the nature of the internet, I don't get that here. So here I am, pleading with my players to talk amongst themselves, meta-game-style, as to what they believe is going on in their campaigns. Feel free to discuss whatever you want here and I'll even start with a few questions:

Marionettes of The Demon - "What do you think is wrong with Kurzen? If anything? Do you think he's hurtful/helpful?" - "What do you think has happened to E'Zan'Tan?"

The Fallen - "What do you think will happen if the planes are merged as big 'A' wants?" - "What do you think of The Embraced...think they are legit or a mad scientists dream?" - "Do you think all out war is going to start with you at the heads? Or think the others can stop you?"

The Hammer of Purification - "What do you think the Kraken is guarding?" - "What do you think he wants for his 'menagerie'?" - "What do you think of Minara and her role?" - "What do you think 'The Hammers' true purpose is?"

Bring Out Your Dead - "What do you think of the split parties?" - "Who will be the first to get the most crystal shards?" - "What are the shards?" - "Why do they offer different powers?" - "What is The Master and what is he doing?"

World's Largest Dungeon - "Why can't we all just get along? " - "Will we survive this place?" - "How long will it take to get through it?"

Anyways, just looking to spark some dicussion that I can watch over, maybe drop hints or even discuss out of game and out of context.

[Cel]

K said:

World's Largest Dungeon - "Why can't we all just get along? " - "Will we survive this place?" - "How long will it take to get through it?"

I can answer those:
1. I suppose we dont want to. Keeps it interesting among tha characters
2. Probably. There is no real risk of dying in online gaming. Unless I'm DMing. *evil*
3. Very very long. It's called World's Largest Dungeon for a reason

Hope that helps.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Fangor the Fierce]

As for BOYD, I was just about to put up a new thread. What if the groups actually meet back up???

Here's the skinny:

The fighters now have a chance to teleport to a place listed among a few locations housing crystals. Krysta, the character, sees this as a chance to thwart the Master's plans by going straight for the one's nearest the Master. That would be Cannon's Foot. Unknowingly, another group is headed there as well. The only question is, is the storytimeline the same? Or are they a few days ahead of the fighters? If so, that would be a bit of a tension builder, knowing someone else besides the Master came to Cannon's Foot prior to the fighters and retreived tha Crystal.

Not to put ideas into your mind KMAN, but when I posted, I then went back and read the other sorylines and realized that there may actually be a chance to meet up again!

[Fangor the Fierce]

For the WLD, now THAT'S an interesting topic. It seems as though there are a few language barriers, and trust issues. Plus the fact that there are so many characters to take note of, it surely will be an interesting campaign.

I am looking forward to some real investigating and something else to tell us where the hell we have fallen into.

Also, there is always that lingering question of, "What if we went back to the hole and informed the lady of what became of her husband? As per her info, she informed us that she would allow us the belongings of her sons when she received word of what happened to her Husband. Possibly even giving us some good supplies to try and survive this place."

[TheUdjat]

[quote author=K Man link=board=OutofGame&thread=1097782827&start=0#0 date=1097782827
The Fallen - "What do you think will happen if the planes are merged as big 'A' wants?"[/quote]

Bad things, man. Bad things.

"What do you think of The Embraced...think they are legit or a mad scientists dream?"

Well, Asmodeus COULD be lying... but I'm not sure. Seems like he's a little too eager to be lying at this point, even for the prince of lies. But I'm sure he hasn't said EVERYTHING just yet.

Scary concept, though. I applaud you.

"Do you think all out war is going to start with you at the heads? Or think the others can stop you?"

Assuming they have a mind, I think the group can inwardly thwart this war. Assuming they want to (which I think they do).

The others couldn't stop a pack of dogs. I don't think they're up to speed with Asmodeus and the legions of Hell just yet.

Bring Out Your Dead - "What do you think of the split parties?"

lol, awesome. It reminds me of Dragonlance, kinda. I've been intently reading everyone's separate branches. Quite interesting.

"Who will be the first to get the most crystal shards?"

Probably the Elves, until that group realizes that she's a twisted, possibly evil maniac. Mostly just insane, though, by my guess. The elves seem a'ight, but there's too many suspicious or unsettling things about them. There's a weak link in the chain, and a bad means to this purpose somewhere in there.

Which is why, ofcourse, they'll get most of the crystals. 'Cause that will make us go 'God dammit!' just a little bit louder.

"What are the shards?"

Bitchin'. I keep wondering if we can chip off pieces of each and they'll still do the same. 'Cause I'd totally carry around a little piece of each one for a healing stone, AC bonus, Bull's Strength, etc. So nice.

I don't know enough yet to really speculate what they are.

"Why do they offer different powers?"

Because they're not equal pieces, they're separated segments of something. Altogether I'm sure they're a thing of awe and wonder, but separately they're down to their base purposes.

Though now that I think about it, I wonder if there wasn't a really good reason to separate the crystals in the first place. Maybe all together they're some force of evil.

"What is The Master and what is he doing?"

He could be that vampire, but I doubt it. On the surface, he appears to simply be taking over, but I think it goes a little deeper than that. There's gotta be a twist somewhere. Like maybe the Master is someone we know and trust, like Sturmguard or the Queen. Or maybe not. Don't have a clue, yet.

World's Largest Dungeon - "Why can't we all just get along? "

'Cause I'm not a nice, peace-loving Ghaele. j/k 'Cause we're all such very distinctive types of gamers, that we just approach it differently. And 'cause maybe conflict is fun.

"Will we survive this place?"

Do we ever really know?

"How long will it take to get through it?"

Longer than we will play.

[IstarinCale]

Here are some questions:
The Fallen - "will we find a risky adventure or just wonder in the woods for long time?"

ED - "Will those demons kill us and then ask us what we want or just leave us with 1 HP and then join our war?"

DM shorts - "Why do I get hits (not yet but the paladin did want to hit me..) for not trusting a paladin who once was an evil monk and now seek they evil monk's artifact"?

;D ;D ;D
Don't take those too serious.. the adventures are fun, of course, and I just like to joke

[K Man]

1. I suppose we dont want to. Keeps it interesting among tha characters
2. Probably. There is no real risk of dying in online gaming. Unless I'm DMing. *evil*
3. Very very long. It's called World's Largest Dungeon for a reason

Hope that helps.

Sure does...I just like hearing it...even if the answers are fast and dirty.

Not to put ideas into your mind KMAN, but when I posted, I then went back and read the other sorylines and realized that there may actually be a chance to meet up again!

Actually, also think about it. You've just been given a map that shows you the EXACT location of the shards...one of which the other PC group will be carrying back once they find it...

You both have the ability to transfer to the crystals instantly via the 'Vein Rider' or teleport...so you will indeed encounter each other...

And then what!!!

"What if we went back to the hole and informed the lady of what became of her husband? As per her info, she informed us that she would allow us the belongings of her sons when she received word of what happened to her Husband. Possibly even giving us some good supplies to try and survive this place."

What if indeed!

Scary concept, though. I applaud you.

Thanks...I was quite pleased with myself.

The others couldn't stop a pack of dogs. I don't think they're up to speed with Asmodeus and the legions of Hell just yet.

I need a rolling on the floor smiley for this... ;D

'Cause that will make us go 'God dammit!' just a little bit louder.

Again...in dire need of a rolling smiley...Udjat, you rule!

Though now that I think about it, I wonder if there wasn't a really good reason to separate the crystals in the first place. Maybe all together they're some force of evil.

Wonderful twist...have to use that sometime. Of course it wouldn't do now since you're expecting it.

Like maybe the Master is someone we know and trust, like Sturmguard or the Queen.

Again...an awesome twist. I'm making you the replacement DM when I'm away. ...but again, can't use it now.

Longer than we will play.

Ahem to that man...in the dice and paper group, we've got 4 6+ hour sessions under our belt and we just made it to the second map...like two rooms in...it's bloody huge.

Thanks people!! Keep it coming!

[Fangor the Fierce]

Yes, both groups in BOYD have the ability to teleport, but what of the teleporting WITH a crystal. The elves could not do it, and I am now wondering if the other group veinriding would be able to. That surely would put a little twist on things...

And what if a conflist arose, for two groups wanting the same crystal meeting at the same time. Would alliances be broken, or what???

For WLD, now THAT is a large dungeon. How many maps are there altogether?

[Cel]

Flash said:

ED - "Will those demons kill us and then ask us what we want or just leave us with 1 HP and then join our war?"

Probably kill you and then ask you what you want. You're evil, remember? If you die you go to hell

K said:

Sure does...I just like hearing it...even if the answers are fast and dirty.

I'm just teasing.

[TheUdjat]

Fangor77 said:

Yes, both groups in BOYD have the ability to teleport, but what of the teleporting WITH a crystal. The elves could not do it, and I am now wondering if the other group veinriding would be able to. That surely would put a little twist on things...

And what if a conflist arose, for two groups wanting the same crystal meeting at the same time. Would alliances be broken, or what???

Too easy. We'd have all the crystals in no time. Ofcourse, our characters don't know this, and will probably discover upon getting there that they have to carry it back.

An arduous journey, to be sure.

Or we could be insanely lucky and be able to teleport back, in which case the real struggle would be prying it out of whoever's hands that has it currently. Not unforeseeable.

I am highly interested in seeing what would happen if the two groups met up - one for the elves, one for Sturmguard (whom the Elves dislike). But the other half of me wants to postpone the meeting a little longer.

Like, for when there's a critical crystal to secure.

[Fangor the Fierce]

Then again, we are all assuming that the weapon/crystals will actually work... What if they don't....

[Lin]

I here what you are saying. Where we play, its a small, close-knit group and we don't use a "DM" so much as one player takes charge for a while, than lets someone else do it. It gives the game a "troupe" feeling, particularly since each player plays at minimum five different characters. But do not fret, these characters have been compiling over the course of years of playing and plenty of failed one-timers, so it works. Anyone is invited to add an NPC, so the world grows in everyones hands. Coversation is always whirling about things, especically since the fluxating nature of the game means people take over each others plots and it fun to see where someone takes the plotline you started. Will it be similiar or will the direction completely change? How will this player interpret the vision of this NPC? That is kinda lost in this model of playing, as all the side talk kinda forms the inspiration for 80% of those characters and plotlines.

As for WLD, the party will get along when they have to. They don't get along for any number of reasons: 1) Racism, 2) Moral Differences, 3) Elitism have all come up so far, and I'm sure their are subtler ones as well. But, they have, at least until another out-of-combat crisis erupts, formed an uneasy alliance and are trying to hammer out some leadership.

Eventually Deidre may come to view Mazadir as Draconian rather than Vile, which, while not a great compromise is much better than the blatant distrust. She finds Tiffany and Jearghen laughable, but doesn't mind listening to them because they have good ideas from time to time. They might be silly, but they don't seem too bad. She thinks AHMEK is ok, even if she'd rather not be near or talk to it. And she is only faintly aware The Udjat exists and couldn't talk to him if she wanted to anyway.

I'm of the opposite opinion on the dying thing. I am 95% sure we will die in this dungeon, but thats part of the fun. How far can we go? Will we die to our own mistrust or be outclassed? Will we be able to eventually work together, only to make a bad alliance and be betrayed?

Which, kinda answers the third question as never. But, you never know, there is still the 5% chance of making it. And the how is always interesting!

As for trying to get the loot from Otto's wife, Deidre doesn't want it and Mazadir also made that point clear earlier. Not sure about everyone else, I know Tiffany likes STUFF, though I also know she doesn't have the strength to carry much!

But AHMEK sure does...

[Japic]

Personally I'm having some serious trouble with BOYD. As is, Girud's loyalties are somewhat split. He is a guard in the service of Sturmguard. But now he's helping the elves to combat the evil, instead of staying on Sturmguard's side. To him, destroying the villans is a good cause and would help out the Blackwing Kingdom immensely.


You have to admit thought that when the elves have enough of the crystals to destroy the evil, why would KMan let the campaign end like that. You have to know that either the elves or Sturmguard is gonna get jacked at some point and we'll lose their crystals. The ones that we've been working so hard to get.

Oh well, we'll have to see what happens.

[K Man]

For WLD, now THAT is a large dungeon. How many maps are there altogether?

16....16 poster-sized maps. All laid out they cover a wall!

Where we play, its a small, close-knit group and we don't use a "DM" so much as one player takes charge for a while, than lets someone else do it. It gives the game a "troupe" feeling, particularly since each player plays at minimum five different characters. But do not fret, these characters have been compiling over the course of years of playing and plenty of failed one-timers, so it works. Anyone is invited to add an NPC, so the world grows in everyones hands. Coversation is always whirling about things, especically since the fluxating nature of the game means people take over each others plots and it fun to see where someone takes the plotline you started. Will it be similiar or will the direction completely change? How will this player interpret the vision of this NPC? That is kinda lost in this model of playing, as all the side talk kinda forms the inspiration for 80% of those characters and plotlines.

We tried this once...it went to shit fast...I mean like Star Trek Special effects fast. Just a huge gap in DMing experience, story-telling ideas and basic understanding of a fantasy adventure. I always thought it was a cool concept and would be great in a small, tight-knit group..which sound precisely like what you have.

I'm of the opposite opinion on the dying thing. I am 95% sure we will die in this dungeon, but thats part of the fun. How far can we go? Will we die to our own mistrust or be outclassed? Will we be able to eventually work together, only to make a bad alliance and be betrayed?

I've already managed to drop the PCs in the tabletop game like ten times...plus kill off two friendly NPCs they found that traveled with them. Let's just say that some of their survival have been pure dice luck. (One guy stabilized at -9) I'm interested to see how it goes here too...

You have to admit thought that when the elves have enough of the crystals to destroy the evil, why would KMan let the campaign end like that. You have to know that either the elves or Sturmguard is gonna get jacked at some point and we'll lose their crystals. The ones that we've been working so hard to get.

Nah...too cliche. But a fun idea...

[Fangor the Fierce]

K said:

...plus kill off two friendly NPCs they found that traveled with them.

NOW we're talking!!! Perhaps that was a nice hint here....as not all things in here will be out to kill us...

[Hero]

BOYD -

I've noted before that I'm not really keeping up with the other part of the group very well. This helps me keep it straight that Hero believes them all dead. To her the party IS Garor, Caelith, Callian, Newt and herself plus one very naughty wizard who will be placed in proper custody and given a trial once this mission is over.

If the groups meet up there's likely to be some detecting of evil going on and Yuri is going to meet the sharp end of Hero's sword. Hmmm... hope he doesn't have damage reduction.

[Japic]

Fangor77 said:

NOW we're talking!!! Perhaps that was a nice hint here....as not all things in here will be out to kill us...

Yah, there are a few that may be willing to help you in this place. It's all a matter of negociating with them. Besides, at this rate it'll take you guys like three months to even meet one of these dudes. In the mean time be prepared to battle with some different things.

[K Man]

I've noted before that I'm not really keeping up with the other part of the group very well. This helps me keep it straight that Hero believes them all dead. To her the party IS Garor, Caelith, Callian, Newt and herself plus one very naughty wizard who will be placed in proper custody and given a trial once this mission is over.

Fair enough...you're missing some good storyline though..

NOW we're talking!!! Perhaps that was a nice hint here....as not all things in here will be out to kill us...

Remember man...EVERY creature from the SRD is in here...and not EVERY creature in the SRD is evil. There is help in this place...you just have to find it.

[Fangor the Fierce]

So I guees since ther eis help in the WLD, I better start refraining from just chucking the Javelin into everything he hears of sees.... Damn, and he was on a good roll.

[TheUdjat]

Yeah, that was pretty hilarious.

"Hmm, it's dark." *chuck* "Oh, okay. That was probably a bad thing. Very probably a bad thing. Moving on..."

As for BOYD - Since it looks like the two groups are gonna meet at Cannon's Foot, heh... gonna be interesting. Girud may want to flip sides again, but someone like, say, Angelus might want to change over to avoid going to prison, no? We could completely remix our groups, and then go back on our merry way. lol

Sturmguard & The Queen: "WTF, mate?"