Flipz

Whoa, hey, I said I wasn't trying to single you out. I'm just offering my opinion, if it bugs you so much, I won't bring it up again. Let's agree to disagree on that. In my view, it's apples and oranges--is +6 HP better than Power +3 and immunity to Wood? There's no objective way to tell. See .As I recall, Cinna DID try to blow away the fog, to no effect. I'll double check. Yep, here.

"To accomplish something good in the world. However I can." Arthur clenches his hands tightly, his fingernails pressing hard into his palms even in spite of his gloves. "If all I am good for is destruction, then I'll make sure I'm destroying the right thing. The Town Watch will guide me to the right targets." "Not really." There was no venom to the remark; it was simply a statement of fact. "Cinna? It has been some time since we last met! It is good to see a friendly face from the past. How are you?" "I see you have your eye on that unique Scroll there. I'm something of a collector, myself. How much Gold would it take for you to part with it?"

Well, I liked watching Q50, Sandy. I think in a lot of ways, it had many of the same advantages and disadvantages of Quest 53, the main difference being that Q50 was MUCH more open with its mechanics, meaning that it's a lot easier to analyze them. In short, yes, yes, no, and I'll tell you why. I think this is an important notion; different QMs work with different Quests. QMs like Endgame and Brickdoctor do well with fairly long, sweeping Quests that take characters through significant portions of leveling and development, while QMs like you and Zepher do better with shorter Quests that are nonetheless tied in to a larger story. And of course, these are not the only types; CallMePie does extremely quick-moving Quests that nonetheless pack a lot of activity into a reasonably short time period, WBD does Quests that are light on mechanical content but offer a TON of room for roleplaying, etc. etc. etc. Zeph, I hate to admit this, but some of the same things JimB pointed out here applied to 53 at times. Just something to think about as you plan your next Quests. Not to single you out, but Zeph: This. So this on 53. This is why I disagree with you, Zeph, along with the point about the Essences. The players were not having fun after the first couple of months, and the loot serves as a way of easing that pain just a little bit. Would more consumables (and Essences) have made things better? Yes, but only to a degree; it would have made continuing realistic, but would not have fixed the bigger problem. Would more consumables instead of gear have made things better? No. I think that innovative battles and awesome loot were SUPPOSED to be the main draws of the Quest. The ultimate problem, I think, was that the players were not on the Quest they thought they'd be going on when they signed up, and that created a tension between players and QM that would have to be resolved in one way or another. In Q53, the Quest ended right at the point where that tension might have forced the issue; here we see what would have happened if there was another set of Spires, or if there had been content past Wren. Additionally, I also think Q50 suffered the problem of being somewhat too rigid. Things like the icy floor and the foggy room were interesting, but it would have been nice for the mages to be able to melt the floor or blow away the fog for a reasonable amount of Ether; likewise, once those Continuous Battle rules were laid down, the Heroes knew they wouldn't be doing anything BUT Continuous Battle for the rest of the Quest. There was no hope for a change of pace, which meant that fatigue set in a lot quicker than perhaps it would have. Additionally, the few changes of pace that WERE there seemed forced upon the Heroes, rather than being options that Heroes could go back to for a nice change of pace, though to be fair that was partly due to the way JimB decided to lead (fight, loot, move, as opposed to fighting until bored of fighting and then taking some time to loot, or some other method). Q50 also revisited another problem 53 had (albeit on a much smaller scale): NPC babysitting. Tao Warrior is one of the weaker NPC classes we've seen (ESPECIALLY in terms of damage absorbtion), and there wasn't a whole lot of strategy available for poor Jun. Additionally, the whole point of the Quest was to keep poor Jun safe: this meant that, rather than being an interesting character who fought alongside the Heroes, he became a little glass trinket the party had to watch out for. Really, Hybros had the right idea right at the beginning: first time he's knocked out, revive him and then come back for him after most of the place is cleared. OK, I'm done with Q53 comparisons (mostly ), now on to the Q50 specific criticisms: The VAST MAJORITY of the ideas in here were brilliant; I do think, however, that there was too much at once. Continuous battle! Enemies running between rooms! Enemies that have to be beaten in a certain order! Enemies hidden in scenery! Hidden loot! Scenery affecting battles! Hidden enemy stats! A currency based on how many enemies you've killed! (I can say for a fact that I'm stealing that last one, if you'll allow me to. ) There were a LOT of new ideas, but I feel that a.) they got to be a little confusing/tiring after a while and, more importantly, b.) these innovative mechanics didn't get enough of a chance to shine. There were only two mechanics that I really didn't like: the big mandatory puzzle, and the ice (both of which occurred in rapid succession). The mandatory puzzle was clearly not most of the players' cup of tea, and the fact that the ENTIRE party had to do it and they could only get an update on it once every 24 hours meant that a lot of players were standing around bored with nothing to do (they couldn't even loot or trade while the puzzle-solvers worked on the puzzle). The ice...to tell the truth, I don't think it's fair that there was slipping for exiting the room. I understand it was an attempt to keep it fair to the rules of "movement=Free Hits", but honestly, I think that would have been a good place to make an exception to the rules/preset Quest structure for the sake of fun. Additionally, I got the sense that a lot of things in the pagoda were supposed to be tied together, but with the quest running so long those connections kind of faded past the point of obscurity into straight-up invisibility. I'm going to be giving this same note to Dannylonglegs, but: players hate when they have to remember all sorts of obscure details that they were casually told weekd or months ago. It's the same reason students hate cumulative exams in class: our short-term memory only lasts about 4-6 weeks, maybe 8 at most, before all that information gets distilled into general ideas rather than specific information. If people find that sort of hard for "important" things like school, how much harder is it to find space in memory to remember little details about a game they're playing for fun? I don't go around repeating details about Arthur's backstory and philosophy and in-game history because I particularly enjoy the act of reiterating those things; I do it because it helps me to not forget what he's been through--and even then, it's nowhere near perfect. Same thing for his stuff with Wren and Chaos. Memory of in-game details might last 2 weeks, or 3 if you're lucky. Beyond that, we only remember the big moments. That said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea and the location you've built. I look forward to revisits--MULTIPLE revisits, if possible. The Ji Pei are still one of the top Houses that need the Sandy treatment, in my book, and I want to see more. OH! I forgot to mention: If ANY QM finds themselves slower to update than they would like, I am MORE THAN HAPPY to help. Sandy, I really think something like this--even just someone to help with the crunch of rolling and running the battles--would have helped you out a LOT. Obviously, I can't help much with Quests I'm on or with building/photographing new sets, but if you ever need (or even just want) the help, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask.

"'Tis a shame you could not come with us to face Wren. Felton and Hans--they developed a new way of fighting: the Chaos Regulator. They could carry shields--though sadly, we had none to spare for them. Perhaps it would have saved their lives..." Arthur's face grew downcast. Arthur smirks in spite of himself. "Chaos...like life itself...is more complex than it seems. But Tensi would be better to explain such things than I." "I should explain: I am unworthy of the title of Hero, nor of the protections the Veterans place upon us--protections we had to abandon in our pursuit of the Dark Lady. I am unworthy of life. But still I live, though it should have been me, and I intend not to waste the sacrifice of Hans and Gnash, and Gray, Bal, and Triad before them. I broke my unity with my fellow Heroes, and have lost my destiny. My Duty is all I have left to me...and I will execute it to my fullest possible extent. No matter the cost."

"Arthur Justus Regulus VII. Scholar, Ex-Chaomancer, Sorcerer of Heroica, and most recently Town Watch Private." He pauses, then reveals his Zoot's Plaything. "I am Heroica's most accomplished expert on Chaos, though now that I have left that path I suspect that title shall soon expire." Arthur puts the dark orb away, and extends a hand to the imp. "That reminds me, Emperor Phil and Vipera were here. And Mallelio. They nearly died when Atramor...but we were able to save them. Princess Ella sent you a message of some sort. I believe Atramor still has it." "Forgive me for intruding, but if you do not wish to profit yourself, perhaps you could claim items that could aid others? There is a new Berserker in the Hall, Nagure the Yeti. He, I, and the Assassin Sorrow will be part of a party that will be hunting down Steerpike the Poisoner. He is well-prepared, but we could all use all the help we can get in our task."

Or Arthur can just jump in there since he knows Tensi and knows OF the other two. Forgot that Docken doesn't know, though, don't know if he'd care. Gah, rushing things and making mistakes. fixed! Be back later.

Arthur returns to the Hall from the Barracks after a morning patrol; the mission to hunt down Steerpike seemed to have been delayed, and so it had seemed best for him to return to the Hall and monitor the goings-on. Surpisingly, he saw Hybros, along with a party of other Heroes, including Cinna, Tarn, and Tensi. It seemed they had been on a long Quest--they looked like he felt. He walks over to Hybros, Tarn, and Tensi, gesturing for them to lean close. It was imperative that they knew. He speaks quietly, too quietly for any others to overhear. "Wren is gone, along with Felton. We killed Vonnetate and Sphinx. The Gray Wizard, Triad, Bal, and Hans are dead, along with two brave new allies from the Watch, Captain Bennetton and Private Gnash. Wren betrayed me even though I refused to fight her. Atramor left Triad to die, and then nearly killed us all in the final battle. Heroica Hall is built atop the underground Temple of Zoot, which is where we fought Wren in the end. Thought you ought to know." Arthur's tone was flat, emotionless, like his grief-scarred face. His voice raises to normal. "Nice loot. You seem to have done well. Please inform whoever gets that Scroll of Disenchantment that I am willing to pay 150 Gold or more for it, but I am leaving soon. Let me know." Arthur steps back and stands at attention, awaiting further summons.

...so...Arthur on 66 minus roleplaying?

I agree for the most part...however, I do think the final Quest reward was a little small. 100 gold would have been nice.

You killed off all the NPCs I really liked. Vipera, I suppose, especially for Russel, but that's the only one I can really think of. Well, I'd like to see more XX, but as a RECRUITABLE ALLY for once! Seriously! (Actually, that's a really interesting idea--offering the POSSIBILITY of recruiting XX, in exchange for some other task...)

I would definitely encourage you not to throw away anything you worked on for Q50. It was a perfect storm of little things that brought it down; individually, the vast majority of the choices you made were awesome. This. So this.

Maybe you're thinking of the Space Police line? At the moment, Arthur's primary colors are blue and dark red, and they'll continue to be so for the forseeable future. (He was blue and white as a Mage, then sand blue and black in his first Sorcerer outfit, with blue and dark red as accent colors. They've since become more integral to his future designs.)

Same here! I could definitely go for some more Ji Pei reputation!

And to think, I was about to lend you guys gear. Oh well, more for me! For those too lazy to click on the link in the Hall (and yes, I did alter the lyrics somewhat to fit Arthur's own life, though some stuff was too tough for me to change (I may tweak later if anyone has really good substitutions for the more "modern" bits): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzHZx66gVBQ

"...Alexis?! But...but I...still..." Arthur stands in stunned silence after Alexis closes the door to the Hall. Coming to his senses, he runs to the door, opening it to the pitch black night...but the woman he loved was gone. Twice now she had slipped through his fingers...and solely due to his own arrogance...his own stupidity. He slowly shuffles over to Sorrow, seeming more undead than the Assassin in his movements. "I'm...thanks. Thanks for trying. But I guess...maybe Althior had a point." The Watchman hangs his head. "I'm going back home now. You're welcome to walk with me, otherwise I'll see you there in the morning." The brisk night air served to rejuvenate the Watchman's body, but his spirit was a lost cause. He doesn't look up to see if anyone was following him--he just sings, the night itself being ears enough should none others be present. And at times...at times it seems the darkness sings back. "The wound heals, but it never does...that's 'cause you at war with love...you at war with love..." "These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... They ain't never gonna change... These battle..." "Never let a wound ruin me, but I feel like ruins ruined me. Arrow holes, they never close from cupid on a shooting spree, feeling stupid 'cause I know there ain't no you and me, But when you're trying to beat the odds up, been trying to keep your nods up, and you know that you should know And let her go, But the fear of the unknown, then another lovers' song sends you back into the zone, With no 'ton or Hans to bring you home, A lover not a fighter on the front line with a poem Trying to write yourself a rifle, maybe chopping up a song, to fight the tanks and drones of you being alone..." "I wish I never looked, I wish I never touched, I wish that I could stop lovin' you so much, 'Cause I'm the only one trying to keep us together When all of the signs say that I should forget her... I wish you weren't the best, the best I ever had, I wish that the good outweighed the bad, 'Cause it'll never be over...but now you tell me it's over..." "These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... They ain't never gonna change... These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... They ain't never gonna change... These battle..." "You shouldn't have, but you said it, it shouldn't have happened but you let it Now you're down on the ground screaming medic, the only thing that comes is the post-traumatic stresses. Shields, body armors and vests don't properly work, that's why you're in a locker full of hurt. The enemy within and all the fires from your friends, the best medicine is to probably just let her win..." "I wish I couldn't feel, I wish I couldn't love, I wish that I could stop 'cause it hurts so much. And I’m the only one that's trying to keep us together When all of the signs say that I should forget her I wish you weren’t the best, the best I ever had I wish that the good outweighed the bad 'Cause it’ll never be over...but now you tell me it's over..." "These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... They ain't never gonna change... These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... They ain't never gonna change... These battle..." "[color-#483D8B]'Cause you've set me on fire, I’ve never felt so alive, yeah. Hoping wounds heal, but it never does; that's 'cause you're at war with love... And I’m never gonna break it... And it’s impossible to shake it... Ohhhh... You hope the wound heals, but it never does; that's 'cause you at war with love... Hope it heals, but it never does; that's 'cause you at war with love![/color]" "These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... I ain't never gonna change... These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... They ain't never gonna change... These battle scars Don't look like they're fadin', Don't look like they're ever goin' away... I ain't ever gonna change... These battle..."

Engame, is there a particular reason you bought an extra Opal rather than imbuing the one you already have?

Eh, business ethics just aren't strong enough in my book. The Shadeaux were, for all intents and purposes, a betrayal, rather than a deliberately "evil" Quest. Same goes for the Hinckwells in 62, though in that case it's just a matter of good publicity rather than betrayal. It's still not "evil" enough. I know my example is over-the-top, but really, we have an entire class dedicated to Assassination, and Track Down involves the relentless hunt of a target--and the wording implies that the target is being hunted down to be killed. Heroica can accept hit jobs, easy. Obviously, the employer might not be SO blunt, but it can't be hard to word the advertisement to clearly imply that the employer WANTS the target dead rather than the target DESERVING death. Why not have a set deadline, and if not enough Heroes sign up for it, then the Quest doesn't happen? I mean, I realize how much effort goes into Quests (believe me!), but as I see it, these sorts of missions would be more about overcoming specific guards and natural obstacles rather than having a deeply involved plotline; thus, certain locations and/or enemies (i.e. "giant spiders in the forest" or "hired thugs in an alleyway") could be recycled from Quests that don't make it past the gate. It's kind of like handling the Wolfgang; it's fairly easy to get one level of Wolfgang rep by betraying the Town Watch. After that, though, would they really hire that Hero again? I say that the Wolfgang and other more villainous characters ought to be free to post Quest bulletins, and Heroes should be free to choose (or not!) to accept them; after all, the Veterans DO tell the Town Watch that the Heroes are free to do as they see fit...

Arthur hasn't been betrayed by the good yet. He turned from Wren because she betrayed him...and that shook him. Althior could have been the catalyst for a more heartless turn, except Arthur had already considered him to be hostile (like he does/did Haldor--that's a complicated relationship there, one I have NO idea how to analyze...), so it's not really a betrayal. Arthur's a...fragile personality, at the moment. He's at a point where he's easily swayed...which makes it real easy for someone to push him off the edge to become a villain--either an Orderly sort, a la "Knight Templar", or a more Chaotic sort like a traditional villain. (The other two potential villain types I could see for Arthur were "Well-Intentioned Extremist", which was what he was before being scared straight--he's lost some of the idealism he'd need for that--and "Corrupt Cynic", which needs something of a "Humiliation Conga" rather than one dramatic incident.) I honestly think that Heroica needs more Quests that are outright villainous. People keep referring to Heroes as mercenaries and sellswords, but they only ever seem to offer "good" Quests--or at least, Quests that look "good" on the surface. We need more Quests that go along the lines of "This rich philanthropist is causing unnecessary competition for my business. Kill him for me." Stuff like that. I think Quest 50 was intended to turn out that way--but again, that's villainy hidden by a disguise of goodness, not brazen villainy.

I was mostly just making a joke that Thothwick seems to like making organizations.

Talk to Thothwick.

Aww, Q50 died. Shame. But guys, you'd better have Tensi run into the Ice room and drop a Smoke Bomb, so that Sandy doesn't pull a Zepher on Jun.

It's up to Masked at this point. I've got a few different songs lined up depending on Alexis' response...assuming she gives one before Q66 departs... You did a really great job. I sometimes have trouble with words where Arthur would not (that's usually what makes his speeches go from "long but readable and important speech" to "rambling nonsensical monologue"), you managed to convey exactly what Arthur wanted to say without my habit of fumbling around for words. I said this back when I had Zepher controlling Arthur while I was offline back in the summer, but it bears repeating: sometimes it's good for me to see what my character looks like with someone else writing and/or interpreting him. It helps to separate him from me, letting me see important aspects of his character that sometimes I'd miss on my own. I mean, look at how De'kra's interpretation of Arthur shaped his whole family background and homeland! Also. You. Dragon Scales. Nao. Trust me, I'm certain they'll be worth it.

All of them. FYI, I'm back now.

Never! Newt!Karie + Newt!Nessa 4 Life! I've quoted Green Day, I have no room to complain. Where is that quote from, anyway? I haven't run across it before, and it seems like the kind of thing I would have picked up already from life experience.