Heroica RPG - Quest Masters' Lounge

[CMP]

Haldor. Haldorhaldorhaldorhaldor. Haldor.

No, seriously, either you take him or you make Scorpiox co-QM. It just wouldn't be right without him.

Hell no, Haldor's mine. My nord tribe is much more historically accurate. Look at these guys. Half of them don't even have beards. They couldn't possibly be vikings.

[Duvors]

First, you used an american indian torso for a nord, Second, polar bears never came into contact with the vikings, it's an american animal.

[Zepher]

I wonder how Eubric contracted the British Red Coats to be their Town Watch?

[Duvors]

I wonder how Eubric contracted the British Red Coats to be their Town Watch?

While we're on the subject of fantasy weirdness, how can werebeasts keep their were-form in broad daylight? And why is every half man half animal now a wear-creature?

[Scubacarrot]

First, you used an american indian torso for a nord, Second, polar bears never came into contact with the vikings, it's an american animal.

*cough* I'm all for 'murica and whatnot and when our American overlords decide to invade the rest of the world to avoid having to pay their debt I will be the first to welcome them with open arms, but as for my understanding the arctic circle is NOT American. Polar bears have been known to go into Norway even once in a while. (according to a quick wikipedia search)

While we're on the subject of fantasy weirdness, how can werebeasts keep their were-form in broad daylight? And why is every half man half animal now a wear-creature?

Because Sandy decided were-beast doesn't mean shapeshifting man-beast, but rather just any animal people except for metasimians. And with werewolves being sometimes able to shift and sometimes not. Yeah.

Also, vikings discovered America first. Maybe.

[Dragonfire]

I loved Quest 83! The storyline was enjoyable and the battle was challenging but not too hard. The mystery was fun to solve! I only wish we could have fought the murderer at the end and cleared the whole thing up- or is this quest the first in a story arc?

[Pandora]

First, you used an american indian torso for a nord, Second, polar bears never came into contact with the vikings, it's an american animal.

Polar bears have been known to go into Norway even once in a while. (according to a quick wikipedia search)

And indeed Denmark (and Russia), so Vikings and polar bears aren't all that crazy. Although really, this is a fantasy game, so who cares if it is crazy?

And Scuba, I rather think that you, for one, would welcome any overlords that happened to come along.

[Chromeknight]

While we're on the subject of fantasy weirdness, how can werebeasts keep their were-form in broad daylight? And why is every half man half animal now a wear-creature?

Because they wear the form of a creature. Hence wear-creature.

[Kintobor]

Quest 83

Overall thoughts: Considering how fun it was to watch you guys make up your own red herrings, I really loved hosting this quest! There's not a lot to talk about, so I'll say some stuff about mechanics and characters and yadda yadda.

The thing I wanted to do was to pull of a full on murder mystery quest, with an emphasis on puzzle and less on the actual battles. I threw the Wolfgang members in for some added conflict, and to hopefully stir up suspicions on Connors background. I realized that I screwed up when you brought up magic, since the mystery's actually based off of one I really enjoyed in a detective game, and I should have translated it better to a fantasy setting. That being said, I loved some of the deductions, especially since I knew how it all went down and some of your ideas were so off, and I thought the mechanic worked well for a short quest! I'd love to do it again sometime if some of our players are interested! Best moments for me were honestly Purpearl drinking the wine and Heckz avoiding Avalanche incase of fleas.

Characters:

We had some returning faces and some newbies this time, so lets look at our (at least as of now) Advanced level players and our newbie heroes!

Arasmyth: Welcome back, first of all! As your first quest back, I hope you enjoyed it! You were the most vocal of the party, and I can tell you often got sucked into the mystery! You clearly were active, and you had some great moments as well! I like the whole resurrected aspect, despite not knowing a lot about your character. I'd perhaps show more inner workings. Not a lot, but you've been dead for a year. Your character must be in some state of shock, or perhaps he's appreciated life more knowing what's on the other side. Just some suggestions, because in all honesty, I like your Arasmyth. You were a great party leader, I enjoyed hosting you, and I'd love to host you again! Job well done!

Heckz: Why is your character so perfect? I'm actually jealous of you for creating such a perfect PC. Heckz is such an oddball little character, and I adore him. A character so vain yet still trying to be someone else, Heckz is both excellent comedic relief, and also somewhat sad. I almost see Heckz as being someone he isn't. These persona's of his are his way of trying to be someone he isn't. Or at least, that's what me and Flipz would see. It was a blast hosting you again, and I hope you had fun too!

For Purpearljellyblob and Dragonfire, I decided to go a little in depth and give some more critical feedback. It's mostly positive, but the few bits of feedback are there to help you create more realistic and more believable characters, so I hope you consider them. If you have any questions, feel free to check out the Heroica Theatre.

Purpearl: For your first quest, you did a good job! I really enjoy Purpearl's pleasant attitude, and almost naivety, mainly because it allows me and the other QM's to destroy it and cause said characters to have a Heroic Blue Screens of Death! In all honesty though, you were perhaps too pleasant. You could turn Purpearl into being mischievous at this point and probably get away with it, or give her a character flaw like having a temper or being a neat freak, because you're close to having a Mary Sue on your hands, and I'd hate to see Purpearl become one. You were asking questions, which I consider a plus, you were active, honestly, for your first quest, you did an excellent job! I'd love to host you again!\\

Avalanche: Job well done! Avalanche did well on his first quest, and you were a blast to host! I feel as if Avalanche has somewhat of an anger issue, but I feel as if constantly angry characters aren't always fun. I like what I saw of Avalanche, you just need to give him an identity. As is, he's standard hero fair. At this point, I'd go "easily angered", but show it through actions and not so much dialogue.

As the rogue bumped into me, spilling my drink all over my clean fur, I turn around to him, towering over the cheeky looking thief, my shadow engulfing him. I crack my knuckles.

Something like that. I like his sense of loyalty to, we often don't see heroes who feel a sense of loyalty to their party's well being, and Avalanche's comment on how he was relieved that Purpearl was fine after drinking the wine said something to me. It's the little details and how you portray them that counts, and once you nail Avalanche's character, I think you'll be good to go, because you did well! I'd love to host you again, and best of luck in Heroica!

I'll have more uploaded in a bit, mainly notes and the references strewn about the quest. Yes, there are some well hidden MLP ones.

[Palathadric]

Also, vikings discovered America first. Maybe.

It depends on your definition of "first." I believe there is evidence to suggest that Celtic monks reached the Americas. Then I believe there was even thoughts that the Phoenicians may have traded with the Americans, although that sounds a little far-fetched. Obviously, the Natives Americans discovered America first though.

[Tachyon]

There should be a quest to catch a serial killer.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Thanks for hosting #83 and the feedback Kintobor! l had fun solving mysteries and fighting at the same time. The plot was great and looks like there will be a continuation to this story arc! I am looking forward to be part of this sometime in the future!

Edited October 30, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob

[Scorpiox]

Haldor. Haldorhaldorhaldorhaldor. Haldor.

No, seriously, either you take him or you make Scorpiox co-QM. It just wouldn't be right without him.

Hell no, Haldor's mine. My nord tribe is much more historically accurate. Look at these guys. Half of them don't even have beards. They couldn't possibly be vikings.

Easy, girls. No fighting. Haldor will be coming on the norse-related quest that offers the largest reward, clearly.

While we're on the subject of fantasy weirdness, how can werebeasts keep their were-form in broad daylight? And why is every half man half animal now a wear-creature?

'Were' is old Saxon English for man, therefore, all a 'Werecreature' really means is a Man-creature. i.e. a part-man, part-non-man being. Transforming doesn't have to come into it, unless the writer wants it to. Pop-culture may have diluted the original meaning, but in our virtual world, pop-culture is whatever we want it to be. That also applies to the polar-bears hanging out with norsemen issue.

If you want to be specific about transforming Werecreatures, use the word 'Lycanthrope' - it's more correct for that type of thing.

I knew you were interested.

[Brickdoctor]

Easy, girls. No fighting. Haldor will be coming on the norse-related quest that offers the largest reward, clearly.

Stats over accuracy of potential roleplaying, good choice.

[Duvors]

If you want to be specific about transforming Werecreatures, use the word 'Lycanthrope' - it's more correct for that type of thing.

Lycanthorpe applies only to werewolves, not every single transforming species as D&D would have all of us believe.

And I think that werewolves have their origins in Slavic myth.

Edited October 30, 2013 by Lord Duvors

[Waterbrick Down]

Lycanthorpe applies only to werewolves, not every single transforming species as D&D would have all of us believe.

And I think that werewolves have their origins in Slavic myth.

Whatever the origin, Heroica is its own entity and as has been shown and agreed upon through QM continuity, were-creatures tend to be animal humanoids. Some of these, like the werewolves of the wolf-gang, shapeshift at will.

[Scorpiox]

Lycanthorpe applies only to werewolves, not every single transforming species as D&D would have all of us believe.

And I think that werewolves have their origins in Slavic myth.

That's true, but since when has language ever been all-inclusive? That's why folks like Shakespeare wrote a shed-load of their own words, 'cause the existing vocabulary they had available didn't cut the mustard. In the context of this game, Lycanthrope can mean whatever the hell we want it to - unless somebody wants to Wordsmith us up a new term.

Nope, the single 'origin' is impossible to pin-down, but there are references to men transforming into wolves in this way back in Greek mythology.

Daym!

[CMP]

In the context of this game, Lycanthrope can mean whatever the hell we want it to - unless somebody wants to Wordsmith us up a new term.

Animalfacepeople!

[Scorpiox]

Animalfacepeople!

Damn straight.

[Kintobor]

Here's some bonus material, and behind the scenes stuff.

How it Was Done:

Marcus Sassina was secretly seeing a woman. The woman and Sassina had apparently met earlier and planned to murder the other three. For what reason, the party nor the authorities know. When Abigail came to deliver the guard's meal, she forgot to give them something from the kitchen. As the food was passed around, Sassina slipped the sleeping agent into the wine with a syringe, which knocked two of the guards out, with the exception being Alan, who apparently didn't drink any of the wine. When the two men hit the floor, Sassina strangled St. Germain, and afterwards light him on fire. He then killed the other to men then waited for the woman to arrivre. As this happen, Abigail returned to give the guards the remaining food, but witnessed the woman and Sassina talking, and eventually make out, as well as the bodies of the guards. As the two embraced, the woman stabbed Sassina in the back with a dagger laced with deadly poison, which put him in a state of shock. The sleeping agent was delivered through the kiss the two had. He stared at Abigail, which made her believe Sassina noticed her, but in reality he had been literally stabbed in the back. Abigial ran in fear of Sassina coming after her for seeing him making out with the woman and the bodies. After Sassina realized what the woman had done he tried to get her away from him by pushing her out, which probably caused her pearls to come off during the shuffle. He slammed the door and locked it, but the damage had been done. Sassina slumped over and died probably seconds later.

Red Herrings:

Potential Suicide?- The possibility that Daniel was the killer will most likely come up. Daniel was the only one not to have the sleeping agent in him after all. Daniel could have killed the other three men and then committed suicide to cover it up. However, if this were the case, he'd have to light himself on fire and then jump off the crate in the second room in order to hang himself. However, the rafters show no burn damage, and if he did indeed hang himself, wouldn't the rope have been burnt as well?

The Kitchen Girl- The Kitchen Girl could have easily done it. Sneak into the guardhouse, kill all of them, then sneak out again. This becomes more possible when she confesses to killing the four of them by opening up the bottle of wine beforehand and inserting the sleeping agent, waited for all of them to fall asleep, and then killed them. However, this contradicts the evidence that was found. There was no trace of a sleeping agent found on the cork cap. If she indeed did kill them in the manner in which the evidence shows,she wouldn't have opened the bottle. After being assured Sassina is dead, Abigail will act as a witness.

Potential Wolfgang Connection?- The party may come to the conclusion that the Wolfgang may have been responsible. A hit on four guards to show off their strength is a likely and plausible theory. However, as the case goes on, this becomes less likely, as evidence begins to stack against this theory. There is no evidence to support, or deny this claim, but still, the party can, and probably will encounter this as a potential explanation.

---

As well, as you all most likely want to know, the references:

-At first, it seems as if there was no pony references. YOU THOUGHT WRONG! Quite a few of the NPC's share the last names of the cast of the show. Connor Strong to Tara Strong, Abigail Libman to Andrea Libman, Alan St. Germain to Tabitha St. Germain.

-The other big reference came with one of the pieces of evidence, the Barrel to be a matter of fact. I whited out a few words, so it was less of a reference and more of an easter egg for those who were looking out for them.

Barrel (Produce)- A lone barrel storing apples as well as Pewd's worst enemies.

That's it for now! My next quest is currently in development hell, since I'm stumbling over different ideas. There will be a sequel coming up around Christmas to 83, so look out for it.

[Zepher]

Kintober, I've actually got something to say about your newest quest - I'll get around to it shortly (I have a big huge looming paper due online by midnight!!).

My newest quest - short, sweet, simple. Hopefully fun. I was mostly happy with it. All battles were under ten rounds, but still hopefully challenging and fun to think around. Trying to work at it - lower HP, but higher stakes. You guys should have had more Phoenix Essences, but that's on you, not me.

Hopefully it painted a not too black and white picture of either family. That's what I was striving for. I dunno if it worked, but I was at least decently happy with it. I liked Bors and his gang too. Thanks for questing with me!

[Kintobor]

Quest 84

I had fun! As much as I hate losing that Hinckwell rep, and as much as it's going to be an absolute pain getting it back, I had fun! I thought the set up was nice, the characters plenty of fun, and it was short, which I think a huge plus. The moment on the highway was probably my favourite of all things though, just to see Thothwick have to deal with Karie. I love how the list of people Karie can't stand to be around grew by two this time, locking Thothwick probably at the same level of Lawrence due to him being an all around two faced jerk to her. She'd probably have lived with it more had Thothwick came out and just said he didn't like witches, but it wouldn't have totally changed things. I feel as if Karie has some respect for Dyric though, just a smidgen at best. He was at least not trying to be a bigot towards Karie and at least being reasonable to a degree.

And then the final decision came down and perhaps whatever effect Karie had to show not all witches are evil to Thothwick came undone. Which is a shame, because I thought the two would have gotten along had things gone differently. This was the first time Karie failed a quest, and hard. She felt as if the screw up from 70 would hold true, and she wouldn't backstab the employer, but that back fired with Dyric and Thothwick siding with the Shadeux. I'd say she's confused as hell. Who knows what's she doing out in the woods right now, but it's nothing good.

I have a few complaints, and it's battle wise, mainly with the bomb mechanic. I didn't like is the short answer.

The long answer is that I felt it was cheap. If it perhaps either effected row or SP I would have been fine, but both felt ridiculous. A good roll and the three of us would have been everywhere at once. The other being Grady's special. It was also OP to the point where none of us could attack him at some points. Thank goodness for Djinni!

All in all though, I had fun, and that's really all I ask for. If all I've got to complain about are two battle mechanics, I think you did an excellent job! Thanks for the quest Zepher!

Edited October 31, 2013 by Kintobor

[The Legonater]

I'll post a more in-depth review when I'm not trying to do five things at once, but great quest, Zeph! Not a whole lot to it, but it did bring some interesting moments. Watching Dyric pay a price for his neutrality is going to be interesting. Kintober, Flitwick, great job to both of you! You guys were so much fun to play against. Kintober, if there were moments Dyric was seeming particularly jerk-y, I apologize. There were at least a few moments that were, in hindsight, a lot more out of character than I intended.

Still, great quest, everyone! It was a lot of fun!

[Kintobor]

You hurt Karie's feelings, not mine!

[Dragonfire]

That's it for now! My next quest is currently in development hell, since I'm stumbling over different ideas. There will be a sequel coming up around Christmas to 83, so look out for it.

Is one of those quests the 'newbie quest'?

I was surprised that there was no magic involved in the murder. It seemed implausible for it to have been committed by hand and poison alone... We never thought about Connor's Wolfgang ties either, although we did consider the suicide option. For some reason, I didn't suspect Abigail at all- even when she confessed. I thought that it would be a rather bad idea to have the murderer be already suspected and captured before the heroes were called in. But I had a lot of fun- and so did Avalanche!