The Campaign Builder's Guild

Hey! Sorry for the delay. I will have a Hadric post up by the end of the day.

Awesome, and thanks for letting me know!  Long silences make me wonder if players have died, or at least their interest in the game. While I'd like to avoid both, let me know if the latter is threatening and what I might do to remedy such a demise.

EDIT: Also to let you know, MG, Belphia Mei-Vourne was formerly Belphia Phel-Nirian, daughter of Hadric's uncle, making Alisandre and he related (first cousins, twice removed, to be exact).

Ghostman, I updated/expanded my ooc post for Xavier to include potential results of your roll (that way, you don't have to wait for me, but can declare his next move based on what he discovers). For every hour you spend investigating, you can roll another die.

Seraflumph: What's Mr. Nix up to?

I'm really pleased with how this is going, and with your portrayal of Skein. It is still a bit uncanny to play in a world primarily of my own devising and not be GM, but it's really gratifying (and flattering) to do so.

Thanks, Steerpike, I really appreciate the praise. I'm really happy with everyone's posting: great characters and writing, from all. But hearing that someone else is enjoying it means a lot. Metagame discussion has been extremely sparse, so I've been flying somewhat blind in terms of feedback, hoping players are enjoying themselves, but not sure, especially when it comes to specific elements (e.g., degree of sand vs rails, 'purple-liness' of prose, NPCs, locales, plots, rate of posting, etc.). Not to mention the whole rules system, since the game was in part envisioned as a playtest.

And yes, I'm constantly asking myself questions like, "What does Steerpike think of that name, does it match the linguistic flavor or tone he's set for Skein? Does this locale mesh or clash with some unposted setting info or idea?" And so forth.

So, strange on both ends, but definitely enjoyable for me.

Full and honest disclosure: I lifted/adapted a lot of the Chrysanthemum Ring from the Ring of Roses by Alexis Kennedy.

To help everyone (myself most of all) remember all the various locales and NPCs, I posted a bunch of condensed information on the beginning of this thread (second post, actually). A Dramatis Personae, noted locales, featured NPCs, etc. I'll continue to add to it as needed.

Additionally, I wanted to see if there was still interest/availability to run an IRC session, sometime either next week (Thursday or Friday) or the week thereafter. Thursday would need to be either morning-early afternoon EST or late evening EST. Friday can be anytime EST. I could potentially do late Mondays instead.

Finally, bronze medals for all the players! IIRC, Clockwork Abattoir is the third-longest pbp game (content-wise) here at CBG. I've really enjoyed everyone's posts and look forward to continued participation and enjoyment.

Regarding a group IRC session: we definitely won't run one tonight or tomorrow. Next week (or a week thereafter) is still a possibility. I've spoken with most of you via pestering PMs, annoying IRC ambushes, and so forth, but I'm still waiting to hear from a few of you.

Please let me know if either of those days, and what times (EST), work for you, and we shall see when most people can play.

EDIT: Also, just to clarify, I'm not planning for IRC sessions to be regularly held. Consider it a set of supplementary one-shot sessions. So I'm not asking for a weekly availability, just a week and time where you're free for 4 hours or so.

Sorry for delay in getting back on times! This week's been hectic.

Late Mondays would be ideal. I'm gone for most of the day on Thursdays, but could swing a late evening time (9 EST or later). Fridays aren't so good, as I have another game then.


On another note, having just wrapped up (or nearly so) the first big step of Alisandre's arc, this seems like a good time to provide some feedback on the game thus far.

First, getting to play in another pbp game of yours is a treat, regardless of the setting or game system. All your trademark touches of evocative writing, richly dscribed environments, compelling characters, and so forth are there. Compared to BCtB, you've gone for shorter descriptions and summarized more actions. This makes updates faster, so it's definitely a change for the better. My only nitpick is that Xedric's initial physical description got lost in the shuffle (though that's since been covered in subsequent posts).

Special mention goes to how you've inluced likable, amusing, and otherwise lighthearded characters in addition to the disturbing, violent, and not-so-nice ones.  It would've been easy to play CE's setting as a pure crapsack world, all doom 'n gloom, and the contrast better serves to keep players emotionally invested.

I'm enjoying Alisandre as a character. She's a definite departure from Ashir and Alyssa, who were a big strong warrior and social butterfly, respectivly (also, what the heck is with all my PCs having A-names?). In general, I actually prefer cerebral characters over physically- or socially-inclined ones, so it's nice to finally play my "type."

The Mei-Vourne family's morbid culture was a lot of fun to think up together, but I've also been making an effort to play A as more than just a death-obsessed necromancer, and hopefully that's shown. I think she even has a sense of humor, albeit an ironic and understated one.

The interrogation sequence was a lot of fun, with Alphosine's illusion doing much to contribute to the scene's awesomess (so glad I rolled a 6). I should see if I kin get me any o' dat, especially after Alisandre's shown a penchant for using subterfuge and guile to achieve her ends. I hadn't anticipated her using those kinds of tactics at first, but upon reflection it makes sense--her brothers hold more cards (though certainly fewer now that Xedric's broken).

The revelations spilled by X were all quite juicy, and I enjoyed learning more about Caraumonde's past wives as well. The revelation of Belphia's death by suicide was a twist--we didn't spend as nuch time developing her together as other stuff, so I look forward to discovering what else you've brewed up.

Xedric's character has exhibited a surprising number of facets in the short time I've known him. He started out as an oaf (falling asleep during stepmom's funeral, flipping out during the card game), then got seriously scary/dangerous (abducting Alisandre, participating in the ritual combat, putting up a real fight even naked, unarmed and half-dead), then broke under torture, and now finally... he's just a son who did his duty and wants what's owed to him. If it weren't for how cruelly he treated Alisandre when he thought she was just a maid, I'd feel pretty sorry for the guy... and even that might've been the madwine doing some talking.

In a way, Xedric's story parallels Alisandre's--he started the game as daddy's heir, top of his world, only for a jealous sibling to see him scandalized, crippled, and tortured. As you've said, he likely won't be waking up the same man tomorrow, if indeed he wakes. I hope he does--after all he's been through with A, he'll make a great recurring character.

That, and I also plan to blackmail him with what he's spilled (I know, haven't I done enough to the man already!). Being able to call in favors from the current Mei-Vourne scion could come in handy, should he acquiesce.

Mechanics-wise, I'm greatly enjoying Penumbra's rules so far. Comparing the many differences between them and PF would take way too long to list right now, but in short, I'm loving the greater storytelling possibilities/flexibility of actions they open up to players and GMs alike. Alisandre the level 1 wizard (necromancer) probably would've flubbed her Sleight of Hand check to drug Xedric, if the mid- to high-level fighter didn't just succedd on his Fortitude save. (Of course, I had awesome luck on that roll, so maybe the dice gods would've smiled upon me anyway.)

The only significant tweak I'd make is to have players factor bonuses/penalties into their rolls instead of leaving it to GMs. Saves work for the latter, and is more intuitive for the former to see skilled characters rolling bigger numbers.

Updates, updates! I love all the recent activity, folks! Welcome (again), Superbright to the game, and I look forward to seeing Decarabia in action.

To reply to FE's most gracious and appreciated feedback:

Quote from: False EpiphanyLate Mondays would be ideal. I'm gone for most of the day on Thursdays, but could swing a late evening time (9 EST or later). Fridays aren't so good, as I have another game then.

Steerpike said that Fri & Thur don't work for him either. So let's try people telling the group when time might work. Once again, this isn't a regular thing. We are just scheduling a one-shot group session. About 4ish hours.

QuoteFirst, getting to play in another pbp game of yours is a treat, regardless of the setting or game system. All your trademark touches of evocative writing, richly dscribed environments, compelling characters, and so forth are there. Compared to BCtB, you've gone for shorter descriptions and summarized more actions. This makes updates faster, so it's definitely a change for the better. My only nitpick is that Xedric's initial physical description got lost in the shuffle (though that's since been covered in subsequent posts).

Thanks! I did indeed forget to paint a picture of his appearance, so my apologies for that. Especially since magisters are such fun to detail.

QuoteSpecial mention goes to how you've inluced likable, amusing, and otherwise lighthearded characters in addition to the disturbing, violent, and not-so-nice ones.  It would've been easy to play CE's setting as a pure crapsack world, all doom 'n gloom, and the contrast better serves to keep players emotionally invested.

I appreciate this as well. Steerpike can certainly comment more on his intentions, but I have tried to follow some of those elements executed in his game, namely horrible things, plus humorous ones. Of course, what's horrible and humorous is a subjective matter, so I'm glad things are translating well for you.

Quotewhat the heck is with all my PCs having A-names?).

And Albree from Beyond the Last Recourse. It's time for an intervention. But at least you know recognize the problem. ;)

QuoteThe Mei-Vourne family's morbid culture was a lot of fun to think up together, but I've also been making an effort to play A as more than just a death-obsessed necromancer, and hopefully that's shown. I think she even has a sense of humor, albeit an ironic and understated one.

I look forward to seeing her interact with non-family members, particularly the PCs (even though one of the PCs is technically family).

QuoteThe interrogation sequence was a lot of fun, with Alphosine's illusion doing much to contribute to the scene's awesomess (so glad I rolled a 6). I should see if I kin get me any o' dat, especially after Alisandre's shown a penchant for using subterfuge and guile to achieve her ends. I hadn't anticipated her using those kinds of tactics at first, but upon reflection it makes sense--her brothers hold more cards (though certainly fewer now that Xedric's broken).

As we've spoken about via AIM, you have certainly reaped the rewards of bold, good strategies backed by bold, good rolls. If the former had lacked the latter... she would be in a much, much worse position. Maybe even irreversible. So glad the dice-gods loved you. They favor, however, is fickle, as you well know.

QuoteThe revelations spilled by X were all quite juicy, and I enjoyed learning more about Caraumonde's past wives as well. The revelation of Belphia's death by suicide was a twist--we didn't spend as nuch time developing her together as other stuff, so I look forward to discovering what else you've brewed up.

Double, double toil and trouble;
    Fire burn, and caldron bubble.

QuoteXedric's character has exhibited a surprising number of facets in the short time I've known him. He started out as an oaf (falling asleep during stepmom's funeral, flipping out during the card game), then got seriously scary/dangerous (abducting Alisandre, participating in the ritual combat, putting up a real fight even naked, unarmed and half-dead), then broke under torture, and now finally... he's just a son who did his duty and wants what's owed to him. If it weren't for how cruelly he treated Alisandre when he thought she was just a maid, I'd feel pretty sorry for the guy... and even that might've been the madwine doing some talking.

I'm glad you've enjoyed such -I've definitely tried to put some depth into the NPCs, even if most interactions are acceptably shallow. For example, I'm glad Steerpike picked up on Red Mei's adoption of Skeinite culture. There are reasons for all that, which hopefully can allow for dramatic conflict, secrets, rewards for roleplaying, etc. (Mei, for instance, sure isn't a Chattelchatter name, but a Hellspeak one).  That said, if Catena kills Mei with a crossbolt to the head next scene, I'm good with that too. Dead men (and women) sometimes can tell tales. Even if not, that's part of the fun of choosing options. You open up new stories and close others.

QuoteMechanics-wise, I'm greatly enjoying Penumbra's rules so far. Comparing the many differences between them and PF would take way too long to list right now, but in short, I'm loving the greater storytelling possibilities/flexibility of actions they open up to players and GMs alike. Alisandre the level 1 wizard (necromancer) probably would've flubbed her Sleight of Hand check to drug Xedric, if the mid- to high-level fighter didn't just succedd on his Fortitude save. (Of course, I had awesome luck on that roll, so maybe the dice gods would've smiled upon me anyway.)

I definitely appreciate the praise of the system; I'm enjoying it too.

QuoteThe only significant tweak I'd make is to have players factor bonuses/penalties into their rolls instead of leaving it to GMs. Saves work for the latter, and is more intuitive for the former to see skilled characters rolling bigger numbers.

Glad you mentioned this; this is something I want to change to the rules, as motivated by some tabletop play tests as much as this pbp. With the former, I've already implemented it. Before I do so with the latter, I want to see what the other players think. If I don't hear opposition by week's end, I'll enact it and edit it on the posted rules.

Taking a page from sparkletwist: http://doodle.com/8iuttah8kywfu2yg

Submitted my (sadly limited!) availability - feel free to play without me if another day works better.

Thanks, TMG, F_E, & Steerpike for replying to the doodle calendar! So far, it seems that Monday 22nd, starting at 8:30 pm EST works for all four of us.

Superbright, Ghostman, & Seraflumph, what say ye?

The only times I could manage are when nobody else is available.

Bummer. Did you complete the doodle anyways? If so, perhaps we can have a solo PC or partial group IRC session at a time that works for you. With more advance notice, hopefully the entire group can 'meet'.