Flipz

Let's consider what my pocketbook and consumable count have looked like before both Quests we've been together on, and then on later Quests. Now compare my actions then to my actions toward my fellow party members when I HAVE had enough to know that I won't be facing a damn Lucky boss that I can't jinx without a Nostrum of my own to even the odds. (Especially considering how unlikely it was that I'd be revived--recall that about half of that group actively argued against reviving me in the final battle--I honestly didn't expect the amount of support I actually recieved. At ANY point during the Quest.) [Note to QMs: it is not possible to overestimate the psychological effect even the threat of a Lucky enemy has on me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.] If I'm not dedicating 100% of my effort and money on buffing the party, that does not negate the generosity of the time and money that I do spend doing so, nor does it negate the efforts of other Rogue who do the same thing (Hybros, Mizuki, Sorrow). No matter what decision is made in the end, we shouldn't be punished for having some sense of self-preservation--especially when those concerns are well-warranted.

I strongly, STRONGLY oppose the Humanoid rule, simply because it forces QMs to either be uncreative with their enemies or else be dicks to Rogues. In my opinion, enemy type is more about the QM's artistic choice than mechanical advantage, whereas something like Gold in the drops is purely mechanical in nature. I oppose the Humanoid rule as a prospective QM, NOT as a player, because the Humanoid rule limits my ability to create the Quest and story I want to create. Case in point, Quest 48. I rest my case. Besides, doesn't everyone gripe about the OP-ness of Darkness-elemental attacks anyway? Do we really want to implement a rule that makes it even MORE likely for all the enemies to be Humanoid and, thus, weak to Darkness?

If I can just get over the last hurdle here, my Quest is pretty light in that sense--it's a literal competition, and those who are entering are competing for fame, glory, and riches.

EDIT: Wow, that came out a lot harsher than I intended. Sorry... What I meant to way was, The Regret's dialogue lacks the sort of poetic resonance that makes for a truly creepy nightmare sequence. In film terms, he'd be good for jump scares, but he's not truly menacing. Sort of like Voldemort post-resurrection, who wasn't really menacing, as opposed to pre-resurrection, when he was frickin' terrifying.

Eh. The Stealer quote, definitely, but The Regret...not so much. Taunting and cruel? Yes. The stuff of nightmares? Eh, maybe in real life, but not so much for a nightmare sequence. He lacks poetry.

I'm running on the assumption that yes, it is canon--it fits with the logic presented for the Spirit Pools, and there are plenty of opportunities time-wise for it to fit in. (Heck, I half-expected Round 3 after Arthur went to sleep in that hotel room. Arthur's due for a nice set of awful nightmares anyway--I've been digging through quotes looking for snippets to throw into a good nightmare sequence to take place after the conclusion of 70 anyway.) Good. Gives me time to get in Doc's Quest and hopefully Byblos as well. I'd love to do that, but the problem is I have to choose to sign up for them or not. I can't just say "Arthur walks down the street from the Hall to the Apothecary" and a QM swoop in and say "Ohey, Baba Yaga swoops in and kidnaps him." Well, I mean, I guess technically that's possible, but given the basic setup of Heroica, it's unlikely. Oh, and if I can make a suggestion, Sandy: I think there should be a note in the first post explaining that originally Rules and Discussion were both in this topic but that they were split in July 2013, lest unsuspecting new users become mind-bogglingly confused by the seeming rule-violations littering the previous thousand pages.

Thank you for reminding me to add a section on escort missions to my Theatre write-up on NPCs. If I hadn't already taken and edited the pictures a month ago, I would have rewarded you with a spot in the skit...but since I have, you get nothing! For those interested, the real reason this one's taking so long is making the thing not sound like a rant. It totally has nothing to do with laziness.

That's an overall un-reward for Shadeaux fans, though. I guess really that's more a symptom of the appalling lack of Shadeaux reputation than a problem with the Fields, though... EDIT: Wow, it took me five edits to get the grammar of that sentence correct. Good job, Flipz.

Speaking of the demise of villains, I'm now wondering whether or not I should be involved with any more. I'll still probably sign up for Zepher's last Quest, simply because I have unfinished business with his friendly NPCs, but for someone like The Regret? Or Ulric/Baba? I don't know. The Regret has singled out Arthur twice, and Arthur's current employer is pretty much devoted TO the takedown of the latter, but I don't know. Maybe it'd be interesting for him to hear about those villains' demise secondhand, further convince him of his uselessness. Can't let it happen TOO much, though, or he'll off himself. Like Mr. Incredible/Elastigirl! ...actually that's...surprisingly appropriate for Karie/Masson.

That is a good point--what OF the Fields? What purpose does it serve now? What purpose is it intended to serve? And--most importantly--will anyone bother to use them if they're no longer the source of good consumables and gold they used to be? I'm still in favor of Endgame's proposal, simply because it puts the reins in the hands of the QM. QMs who hit the right ratio of loot to difficulty will find themselves successful, while those who don't will get complaints and either learn from them and improve or else ignore them and find fewer people willing to sign up for their Quests. But for something like the Fields... Maybe a perk of the Fields should be that they keep the existing system? That would keep the Fields appealing, but since parties to the Fields are limited (despite it being the Unlimited Quest ), it shouldn't unbalance things too much.

I knew before I signed up that this Quest was going to be about "Karie and her allies versus the Stealer of Senses", not "the Heroes versus the Stealer of Senses". That was made very clear upfront, and it was the right thing to do as far as the storyline was concerned as well. In this case, it's justified. When I hijacked 53, on the other hand, that's not the Quest everyone else signed up for. Did I have a greater connection to the villain and subject matter than some other characters? Yes. But not to the degree of the history the Stealer had with Karie, and I didn't handle it as well as you did, either. I kept Zeph in the dark (we were both trying to surprise each other with spontaneous RP, something that's good in theory and good in certain interactions but very bad if you and your QM aren't on the same page with how far it's possible to go), which ended up causing everyone problems. In restrospect, it probably would have been better if Arthur had fled the Master of Regret and directly joined forces with Wren (the way Karie did) rather than staying with the party until the end. Zeph gave me a chance to sit out the rest of the Quest at that point (not specifically to join Wren, but in retrospect that's probably what he was planning), and I should have taken it.

Wait, when did the Overkill Gloves get brought into the nerf? Those operate along a very different principle (both design-wise and, presumably, in-universe), and I've stated several times that they already have plenty of drawbacks. I do not support a nerf to them, if that's being considered. I put a lot of effort into making my build work well with them, and as Jebs has pointed out, Sandy has OK'd them twice already. I'd understand the concern if they were still available, but they aren't, and it'd be grossly unfair to both me and Fugazi to include them in the general nerf. I know you were just joking with that last bit, but I really dislike the implication that you HAVE to roleplay a class a certain way. A lot, actually. It's like saying you have to act according to the stereotypes of the state or country you live in--the same (lack of) logic applies.

Now see, that's not so different from Arthur. Explains why Arthur was willing to reach out to him (and why he'd think the Watch would be willing to reach out to him--personal experience).

Indeed, in case it wasn't clear, I also vote for Endgame's second proposal.

Flee's actually a lot less useful than Natural Respite--unless your QM specifically sets up a scenario in which Flee is needed, using it ends up as a punishment--you don't get any experience, and you often get left out of loot distribution. It's better to just fight until you're KO'd, as at least that way there's a chance your party can revive you, and you'll still likely get a share of loot.

Not sure whether I should put this here, in Rules, or in QM Lounge, I sort of picked this one at random (even though it'd be relevant in any of the above):

"I'd recommend our allies to take some consumables, otherwise I, too, am ready for battle."

Except Special Mirror doesn't come into effect when the Witch dies.

OOC: No, I meant why is it not a boss fight?

OOC: Why not?! "Ah, right!" Using his Rogue skills, Arthur sneaks a vial of Exterlate out from his pack, aims it at Briar's face, and sprays it all over him.

OOC: It was in my Hollow Blade, but I swapped it for an Elixir ages ago. You just keep reverting the change after fixing it. Also, shouldn't Nevron have some Gold from previous Mugs? "We can't afford to leave them alive, Karie. They know who Nevron is now, and they would find a way to have him murdered even if we put them in solitary. I'm sorry. I hate it, but we can't risk Nevron's life." "Here, allies--catch!" Arthur tosses Nevron his Shackles of War, Octavyn his Cloak of Deception, Masson his Jester's Hat and Boomingham's Marksman's Monocle, the black-hooded Elite his Ancient Crown, and the silver-hooded Elite his Stingy Gloves. "Lord Boomingham, if you could lend that hood to our gold-robed ally, we'll be in good shape."

Re-check Arthur's earnings on Quest 53. I believe I rolled 3 Shields that entire Quest--the only reason I made decent money was because the last two battles had such insanely high-level enemies. In a normal Quest, I would have made MAYBE a third of what I did. Sorcerers are going to be the hardest hit by any kind of Gold nerf, because they have additional overhead that Rogues, Raiders, and Assassins don't have. Just thought I should note that, even though I personally am leaving the class. Dear GOD yes. We need this back. Seriously, half the problem is that the Gold rewards for Quests vanished when QMs started offering levels instead. :thumbup: I should point out, I'm not against a nerf, I'm pointing out potential side-effects that people might not be thinking of.

Arthur climbs the ladder, but not before giving Masson a Nostrum and a Mead and Em his Mulled Wine. "If anyone else wants a consumable, say so."