Heroica RPG - Quest Masters' Lounge

[Masked Builder]

Alexis – Very quiet this time around. I think that you are a pretty good roleplayer, and as I’ve said in the past I don’t mind quieter characters (Thothwick and Hoke are both relatively quiet, generally, and I love them). It didn’t seem so much a choice for you though; so much as you just didn’t have much to say. I liked the switch to Assassin, but I advise trying to not do planned roleplaying, and just see where the story takes you. I don’t know. When you do roleplay, it’s always a good time. As for your relationship with Arthur: here’s my advice. I have a stinking suspicion that Flipz thought it up :P. That’s fine and good, but take it into your own hands now. How does Alexis really feel about Arthur. I’d actually advise you and Flipz to plan less and allow for more natural interactions. Glad to have you along as always, hope you made enough gold!

Thanks for the thoughts Zeph. I'll keep them in mind. And Flipz is always the one planning things.

[Endgame]

Thank goodness you never rolled anything from 48, we would have been screwed so hard it's not even funny.

What do you mean it wouldn't be funny? Shoot, I even place my Boss Monsters first on the list - and Eidolon was a possibility at this juncture!

Quest 60 was a different kind of flavor of quest from you, Capt. I can't put my finger it... The Noir feel was evident, but it felt like a departure from your previous quests.

That said, though, it was also an excellent departure. You did a good job balancing the enemies for such a varied group, and the lesson at the end was very well written.

[UsernameMDM]

...and holy crap that Hollow Blade upgrade is expensive. I know 50 gold is kind of cheap for it, but that seems a tad excessive--maybe he's charging extra for the rush? In any event, I'm glad I didn't go there, I could NOT have afforded that one.

We can always trade back if you want to. Doesn't hurt my feelings.

[Flipz]

Quest 60- That's a wrap!

Now for comments:

Skyrimguy/Sarge: I'm glad you are on my quests again! You were a great party leader, and good eye for catching Sullivan the very first picture! He would've gotten away, if it wasn't for you! Too bad you were sick and all, but you still mostly posted once a day, which is acceptable. Also, where'd the old sarge go? I liked the one who poisoned horses, stole armor, and insulted people!

Self critique/comments: I think that's my second favorite and second best quest I've done. (37, Princess Panic being first.) I liked the rain pictures at night, and that Noir feel was what was going for. I apologize at the end for the not as good pictures, my camera got messed up. Also, you missed a lot of talking. You could've asked the market people and shopkeepers things, and even buy items. And finally, I was SO CLOSE to a perfect quest without stat mistakes. I've never ran battles so well before, but it's depressing I forgot about Sarge's sticky gloves.

My personal favorites from you, CJP, are the Joust and Predator to Prey, mostly (I think) because they are short and to the point--you have a goal, you go toward that goal, you accomplish your goal, without too much extra in between. It's sort of the QM manifestation of Docken's roleplaying--there isn't a LOT of extra detail, there's just enough there to let the players and readers fill in the rest using their imagination. It's a rare talent, and you use it well.

I disagree about Sarge, though, he's developed well. I like that he's still a troublemaker who causes trouble for trouble's sake, but he isn't deliberately trying to cause problems for the other players, either. As the player of another character who frequently clashes with "traditional" Hero-ing, I have to say you do it better than most of us, myself included. Here, like in 42, you shine; keep it up. My only bit of critique is that you may want to dig deeper into the dual-strike mechanics. Dual-strike weapons are VERY flexible, and your character is ideally suited for using them with the permanent Hastened-effect; you may want to try formulating more strategies involving them.

Arnulf, you're a sneaky one: he doesn't "stick out" like some characters, but when you look back you realize what a HUGE contribution he makes to the tone of interactions, and to the Quest in general. It's mind-boggling how deep he is even though he's only been around for a couple of months. You're definitely one to watch for good roleplaying.

Brickington, I loved watching you struggle with moral choices in 56, and I like what I've seen of you in the Hall as well. I would have liked to see a bit more of that here, but I'm sure you have plenty more of Brickington to show us in the future.

[Capt.JohnPaul]

What do you mean it wouldn't be funny? Shoot, I even place my Boss Monsters first on the list - and Eidolon was a possibility at this juncture!

Quest 60 was a different kind of flavor of quest from you, Capt. I can't put my finger it... The Noir feel was evident, but it felt like a departure from your previous quests.

That said, though, it was also an excellent departure. You did a good job balancing the enemies for such a varied group, and the lesson at the end was very well written.

I think maybe because this was a more of a quick, and quiet mystery quest- compared to all the others. (Croises, fighting, attacking, defending positions, laying siege, hunting and fighting draugrs, etc.)

[The Legonater]

I've been holding back so I can comment on everything at once. Thanks to you all so much for all the kind words.

Dyric/Legonator: You do a really good job of engaging the NPC’s and actually treating them like individuals, so keep it up. I’m liking the direction you’re going with Dyric as an assassin of light and it’s neat to see how the past quests have influenced his current development. While Dyric sometimes seems aloof to his other party members, it was good to see a spectrum of reactions to Arthur’s decisions and I’m glad you had Dyric take the more understanding sympathetic role as it fit well.

Thanks! I've really been trying to make Dyric a sum of his past, and it's a good thing - if he hadn't gone on Quest 34, he'd be very different. Before the realization that peace could be brought, I had intended Dyric to take a darker turn when going assassin. I'm so glad I didn't.

Legonator- Take that pile of gold you earned and invest in some SP. You were great this quest but you need to be able to take a hit. You got us through some tough spots, though.

I intend to. Don`t know why I haven't at this point.

Dyric - Stay alive. Keep working on the character. You stick to your back story to the T and look forward to how Dyric develops.

Thanks!

Dyric – Last but certainly not least. Everything you did this quest was superb. Dyric grew, roleplayed a lot, responded well, played nice with others (NPC and PC alike), made friends, made enemies, made convictions, maintained his backstory, factored in past events and current events… the list goes on and on. You were one of my favorite parts of this quest. I’m interested to see where your relationships take you, and where these events lead Dyric. Thank you so much for being such a great player.

Not much more to say at the point, save that I'm as excited as you guys are. Again, I finally feel that I've got a really good grip on Dyric's character, and I'm looking forward to exploring it.

[Zepher]

Wait, the Guild of Invision had a Spire? Or is that another remnant from the pre-38 plans?

You know, that is a REALLY creative way to do an enemy-summoning Special. Thank goodness you never rolled anything from 48, we would have been screwed so hard it's not even funny.

Became the apothecary.

And I actually changed it to a random enemy from the page too .

[Palathadric]

Yes, I think this was my favourite of your quests Capt.JohnPaul. Besides #24, but that was just awesome because of the party.

I think being the party leader forced Sarge to "grow up" a little from the last time you hosted him.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke – Hoke is quiet. I love it. I’ve given you the same notes (post-19) but really, he is just a simple man. I think it’s required that we have some of those. That being said, he really blossomed this quest. He can be simple and still have convictions. He has a real love for Vipera that is a really interesting character choice. He likewise sees the world very black and white: bad dies no matter what their reason for evil is. I love that too. I’m so so so glad that you came back for this quest, and hope that you’ll stick around again!

I guess you can say I am a pretty consistent PC to QM then? I figure with all the flavorful characters in the game that a scoop of vanilla would be refreshing. I wish I would have 'talked more,' but Hoke is the kind of guy that let's his actions do the talking. I've enjoyed playing Hoke and look forward to future quests.

I am glad you poked me about joining up with the game again.

[Brickington]

Nice brief little quest, Captain! The pay could have been better and there could have probably been a little more battles, but other than that, it was pretty sweet! Thanks for letting me play!

[Shoker86]

Nice quest Captain, i really liked team's diplomatic aproach (lack of it). Loot was appropriate for lenght of the quest.

[Kintobor]

Quest 60 was certainly interesting. Short, but still fun to watch. After realizing what Sullivan did, if Karie was on the quest I can see her getting a bit emotional. As for why, I'm not telling!

[Capt.JohnPaul]

Yes, I think this was my favourite of your quests Capt.JohnPaul. Besides #24, but that was just awesome because of the party.

I think being the party leader forced Sarge to "grow up" a little from the last time you hosted him.

Mental note, never make Sarge party leader again!

Nice brief little quest, Captain! The pay could have been better and there could have probably been a little more battles, but other than that, it was pretty sweet! Thanks for letting me play!

I'll keep that in mind. I wanted to make this a mystery quest, so I didn't include a lot of battles. I wanted to focus on the clues and clever ways you used to find Sullivan. (And prove he was the stalker.)

Nice quest Captain, i really liked team's diplomatic aproach (lack of it). Loot was appropriate for lenght of the quest.

Thank you. I was surprised about how violent you guys where.

Quest 60 was certainly interesting. Short, but still fun to watch. After realizing what Sullivan did, if Karie was on the quest I can see her getting a bit emotional. As for why, I'm not telling!

That's exactly what I wanted.

[Professor Flitwick]

Sorry this took so long, I just decided for it to be all on the table before I talked about the Quest. Zepher, this Quest finale did not disappoint! The Quest was exciting, both in and out of battles (in particular, the brilliant battle with the cellar floor! ). Wren has been a great villian, and I actually sympathy for her (and Arthur) in the end, to come so far, sacrifice so much, and to lose, was sad. It's the hallmark of a good writer, if you can make a sympathetic villain. I'm quite honoured how my character ties for going on the most Wren-Quests (along with CorneliusMurdock, I believe), though it's a shame how he hasn't had as much interaction with her as some others have (being behind bars for Quest 7, taking up non-Wren side-quests for Quest 30).

Thothwick – Thothwick is a great character. His politeness is a perfect choice in comparison to some of the other characters. He’s just a mild-mannered ape trying to make his way through this world, doing the best he can. Sometimes you seem to get a little quiet, but I figure it sort of fits his personality. I’d like a FEW more reactions out of you, and a FEW more references to Hoptet, but other than that, you’re always a great player. You make many references to previous quests: my favorite moments for you were the battle with Atramor against Zee, and EVERYTHING once you got into the temple itself. I also enjoyed the number of times you rolled Hide. It’s a kind of silly ability to roll that many times in most cases, but it helped you out a lot in the final battle. I want to take Thothwick on more quests some time, see if I can’t push his buttons more in a smaller group setting.

I too like how Thothwicks disposition contrasts with the rest of the party. I always see him as a bit like Hurley on Lost. Cheerful, but capable of something more. I remembered after Quest 30, you asked me to try and interact with others more, and I think I did it. I tried to mention Hoptet a bit more, but I felt like I had to try and ration how much he thought about him, what with the Quest only taking place over the course of one very busy night - if that makes sense. If you want to push his buttons, put him and Atramor on a two man Quest that spans over several days. They'd either make friends, or kill eachother.

Players:

MDM: I'm quite jealous of how your path to Dragoon seems so natural. Hoke is a great character, and I have a feeling that he and Thothwick could bond quite well over their mutual love of Dragons, should they ever go on a Quest together, with a smaller party.

Flipz: I know a few where a bit annoyed by Arthur in this Quest, but found some of your choices were true to his character. They could've been potentially detrimental to the party, but roleplaying takes a big part of this game, and you priorities it well. I liked out post battle interaction, maybe our characters can rub off on eachother in the future. I'm not entirely certain about Arthur and Alexis' relationship, but I'm sure it will come to fruition in the future.

MB: I really liked your change to Assassin, it seemed the most purposeful of all the advanced-class transitions I've seen (which is something else I'm envious of, as I kinda walked in, shrugged my shoulders and said "yeah, black knight, why not?" ). I liked our brief conversation at the start, and it seems like they could have quite a friendship together. As with Flipz, I'm on the fence about your relationship, but I eagerly await seeing it blossom!

Scorpiox: For a while I thought Atramor might have a rival for the 'Most hated by Thothwick' award. It was cool to see two very different characters meet, and not have them much up right away. There were very clear cultural boundaries between them, and I like how all it needed to become amicable was a step back, and a quick breather. I doubt they'll ever be friends, but I think future interaction between the two could be interesting.

Legonator: Another one! Their different approaches to a situation made them at odds, and their stubbornness only fuelled it. Again, it was nice how all it took was some time apart to make things calmer.

CMP: Ah, Thothwick's arch nemesis. I love our characters relationship, and I really want them to go on a Quest together. As per usual, great role playing. Atramor is one of my favourites, and I think him nearly killing everybody really fuelled me on for the final part of the Quest.

Pandora: Nyx is probably one of the few heroes that Thothwick would call a friend, but we didn't seem to get much time together here. I really enjoyed Nyx's reaction to XX's departure.

WBD: As you've said, most of our interaction came prior to the Quest. It's a shame really, but we'll have a chance to interact more when I drop by with your S.O.W starter pack!

CM: I loved Cronks reaction to all the deaths in the finale. As the hero who has fought against Wren the most (more than I, technically, if we count Quest 29), it really seemed like he had the most cause against Wren. I liked the little interaction we had, and I'm sorry for not comforting Cronk. He seemed to have enough people around him .

Is it yet revealed who opted in for perma-death?

I know Skrall (WBD) did, since he's stated many times that he's got backup characters. I also came VERY close to opting-in for Arthur (several times, actually), but ultimately decided not to.

As for my own speculation: I'm pretty sure Cronk (CM), Nyx (Pandora), and possibly Haldor (Scorpiox) also opted-in. I know for certain that Alexis (Masked Builder), Dyric (The Legonater), and Atramor (CallMePie) did not.

And I too opted in for perma-death. I get what Flipz says about wanting to play out a characters arc to the full, but people can die before their time. For example, many characters in Lost died with arcs ongoing, and the Game of Thrones is littered with them, too. I'm also fairly sure I'll die with a few arcs left to go, so surely Thothwick could, too!

[Flipz]

Players:

Flipz: I know a few where a bit annoyed by Arthur in this Quest, but found some of your choices were true to his character. They could've been potentially detrimental to the party, but roleplaying takes a big part of this game, and you priorities it well. I liked out post battle interaction, maybe our characters can rub off on eachother in the future. I'm not entirely certain about Arthur and Alexis' relationship, but I'm sure it will come to fruition in the future.

And I too opted in for perma-death. I get what Flipz says about wanting to play out a characters arc to the full, but people can die before their time. For example, many characters in Lost died with arcs ongoing, and the Game of Thrones is littered with them, too. I'm also fairly sure I'll die with a few arcs left to go, so surely Thothwick could, too!

Definitely. Arthur doesn't really know what to make of Thothwick, but he doesn't really know what to make of himself, either. It'll be an interesting relationship, to be sure--I still want to go on a Quest with you and Nerwen at some point.

While it's statistically likely I'll also die with arcs ongoing, my "writers" are super lazy and seem to be putting me through the exact same cycle of arcs over and over again, so everyone will know how they'd end anyhow. Very good point, though, it's definitely something to think about if the situation ever comes up again.

[Waterbrick Down]

And I too opted in for perma-death. I get what Flipz says about wanting to play out a characters arc to the full, but people can die before their time. For example, many characters in Lost died with arcs ongoing, and the Game of Thrones is littered with them, too. I'm also fairly sure I'll die with a few arcs left to go, so surely Thothwick could, too!

Agreed. Role-playing isn't exactly synonymous with story-telling, at least not in the traditional sense. It's more of a free form story which evolves as your character interacts with others and the scenarios going on around them. Sometimes your story is just going to end in the death of your character. QMing embodies the more traditional story-telling structure as you have the freedom to create the scenarios to convey your themes or ideas upon a certain topic if your players cooperate. So as players are dependent upon QM's to write their non-traditionally formatted stories, QM's are dependent upon players to tell their traditionally formatted stories.

Skrall – What to say? Skrall is way up there on my favorite characters list. He is outrageously unique, very sad but not in the same tragic past way that most of the character have. He’s just, old. He reminds me of a more gung-ho King Lear or a less delusional Willy (Death of a Salesmen). He just is dried up. He doesn’t know what to do with himself except to keep doing something. It’s very sad, very convincing, very normal. I’m sorry that Wren didn’t give him a direction, but I keep rooting for him to find a direction. Maybe I’ll design a quest for him. He’s one of the characters I really want to host a private quest for. I think it was extremely fitting that you killed Wren. There was something about you and her that clashed. I think it was Skrall’s noble sadness and sadness- it doesn’t seem it, but it is sort of the antithesis of her reckless passion and love for the world. Your philosophy on roleplaying is my favorite as well. Just play your part, let the story effect you and let yourself effect the story, but don’t steal the spotlight. You follow your own advice superbly.

Thanks Zepher, I think you nailed Skrall to a T. He's basically lived too long and is now just moving from one thing to another in hopes that it will either bring him contentment or put an end to it all. I'd be glad to try a solo quest some time and see where it would take him. While it was fitting that he was one of the last shots to kill Wren, from his perspective she really didn't "die" so it was a bitter sweet moment, but one that I think needed to happen in order for him to keep walking his current path. Thanks again for taking him along.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Waterbrick Down

[Flipz]

QMing embodies the more traditional story-telling structure as you have the freedom to create the scenarios to convey your themes or ideas upon a certain topic if your players cooperate.

There's the fine line--if your players cooperate. In my experience with RPGs outside of Heroica, players rarely follow your story exactly the way you want them to, even (and especially) when you set the plotline on rails. In a way, players have an advantage over QMs: their stories (generally speaking) are more flexible and easier to tell cohesively because they're designed to be told in small chunks; moreover, they're a LOT easier to re-write on the fly than the intricate, fleshed-out plotlines QMs tend to use. Fortunately, Heroica players tend to be less malicious than players of other RPGs, but unintentional ignorance can be just as destructive as malice to a pre-crafted storyline.

Now, a word on theme: in my opinion, a good author doesn't try to create a theme in their story; their stories have a theme, and the author should be aware of and play to that theme, but it shouldn't be forced. Some of my worst moments as Arthur have been when I've tried to give him a theme, rather than when I've embodied his character and let his themes develop themselves; the same goes for plotlines. Zepher is a master of letting the themes develop underneath the characters, which is what makes the most compelling parts of his Quests so compelling. He put it best in R&D:

Wren has a goal. If different heroes and players want to interpret it differently, that's okay with me. Again, like real people, the characters and players may all have different ways of viewing it. I know what Wren's goal is, plain and simple, but I don't feel the need to explain it any further than I have. Everyone can feel differently about it and understand it differently.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is how characters and Quests should be devised. If you want to explain your characters' themes and motivations in R&D or here, that's just as valid a choice as Zepher's approach, but take note of how Zepher says he's OK with different people viewing Wren differently. That sort of interpretation is only possible because he wrote a person, not a sock puppet.

Again, though, just my opinion.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Flipz

[Scorpiox]

Haldor – One of the MANY characters who have blossomed over time. Everyone compares Haldor to Haldor of Quest 19. I also prefer this Haldor better, but I don’t think we need to discount the other Haldor. Haldor has just grown up. He was once a flirty, macho young man, and a year in Heroica has turned him stoic. He’s just aged quickly. I think it could be something fun to play with. Let him still let his juvenile side poke through time to time, but let his stoic side always win out. Haldor is wise, strong, Nordic… I love everything he does. He reacts very well, has strong convictions about other characters, and really is powerful now. He is turning into a great leader, but allow those past sillier interactions still be weaknesses. Great, great job. I hope to have you along again soon.

I think that's pretty true, and thank you for the advice. I guess that's why I find my performance in Quest #28 one of my favourite, Haldor came off as more mature but also not too serious, I'd like to try and return to that aspect of the character in part if I can.

My chance at leading in Quest #38 was a big move forward for Haldor's character, I think it would be interesting to see how he's changed in relation to leadership since then.

[Pyrovisionary]

I disagree about Sarge, though, he's developed well. I like that he's still a troublemaker who causes trouble for trouble's sake, but he isn't deliberately trying to cause problems for the other players, either. As the player of another character who frequently clashes with "traditional" Hero-ing, I have to say you do it better than most of us, myself included. Here, like in 42, you shine; keep it up. My only bit of critique is that you may want to dig deeper into the dual-strike mechanics. Dual-strike weapons are VERY flexible, and your character is ideally suited for using them with the permanent Hastened-effect; you may want to try formulating more strategies involving them.

Thanks man! Maybe I'll send you a pm about strategies. I'm not that good with plans and such.

Quest 60- That's a wrap!

Skyrimguy/Sarge: I'm glad you are on my quests again! You were a great party leader, and good eye for catching Sullivan the very first picture! He would've gotten away, if it wasn't for you! Too bad you were sick and all, but you still mostly posted once a day, which is acceptable. Also, where'd the old sarge go? I liked the one who poisoned horses, stole armor, and insulted people!

Self critique/comments: I think that's my second favorite and second best quest I've done. (37, Princess Panic being first.) I liked the rain pictures at night, and that Noir feel was what was going for. I apologize at the end for the not as good pictures, my camera got messed up. Also, you missed a lot of talking. You could've asked the market people and shopkeepers things, and even buy items. And finally, I was SO CLOSE to a perfect quest without stat mistakes. I've never ran battles so well before, but it's depressing I forgot about Sarge's sticky gloves.

It was a really good quest. Exciting at trying to get him at the beginning and a thrilling chase. I loved every moment of it! There is the old sarge there, but he will only try to mess stuff up when he's not in charge. But when he is in charge, he's gonna get that thing done with military efficiency. I probably could have done more roleplaying like in 47. But I was pressed for time. I'm on holiday now and all that hard work and sickness has been payed off!

My very own quest: Now, as a few of you know I have been planning to host my own quest. But the sets are my problem. It takes me ages to build things and even then I need to recycle pieces to build the next set. I also am lacking in figures that could represent the houses. I have now started a new quest which I am more capable to building. So I was wondering. Would anyone be willing to share the workload with me? I'd just need a few sets and/or maps.

Edited March 31, 2013 by Skyrimguy

[Scorpiox]

Okay, I think it's time to reveal Haldor's big secret. Prepare to be shocked, people! Besides Etzel, and Flipz who guessed, this should be unknown to everyone.

Etzel, please could you post the Quest #49 sidequest in this thread please?

I would, however like to make it clear that this is strictly out of character knowledge; there is no living hero who knows this.

[Pyrovisionary]

Okay, I think it's time to reveal Haldor's big secret. Prepare to be shocked, people! Besides Etzel, and Flipz who guessed, this should be unknown to everyone.

Etzel, please could you post the Quest #49 sidequest in this thread please?

I would, however like to make it clear that this is strictly out of character knowledge; there is no living hero who knows this.

Is he? Batman? Knew it!

[Flipz]

Oh, right, I knew I had something important to say here!

If anyone wants to begin planning anything for the Cathedral of Commerce (which has also been referred to as the Cathedral of Mercutio), I do have a tentative floorplan to aid me in set design; if any QMs need a look at it, I'd be happy to oblige.

[Zepher]

Final (final) tid-bit. Some sets I had built, but you never visited/saw:

[LordoftheNoobs]

It's official, droids hate pirates!

"Jolly Rodger-rodger."

[Scorpiox]

Etzel, would you please post the Quest #49 sidequest in this thread?