[OOC] Away From the Table

[PopCultureBard]

Ok, folks, I've put together a few threads on here that I believe will help us keep things in order.

I have a thread for your characters so please put a link to your sheet in there along with any other information such as pictures or back stories that you feel might be pertinent.

The mechanics thread is there to keep you updated on alternate rules systems that will be in play. The AP introduces a number of new rules like the infamy and disrepute systems as well as rules for ship modifications. I will be adding those to the thread as they enter play, which should be shortly after your stint as shanghaied prisoners.

There is a thread for crew information as interactions with the crew members of your ships will be significant in this game and a quick reference might be invaluable.

I did create a dice rolling thread. I don't mind if you use tt tags or put your dice rolls in posts, that's all great by me. However, as a time saving measure I will often put spoiler tags into my posts with a skill and a DC noted on them. I will trust you all not to check a spoiler for which you haven't passed the noted check. The dice rolling thread will be ideal for making those checks so that you can reference the spoiler information before you post a response. Use it as you deem appropriate.

I'm open to suggestions for any other additions that you feel might benefit the game.

[DraconigenaArma]

And first one here!

My major suggestion for any PbP is to scrap initiative. PbP is arduous on time as is, but more is lost to waiting for initiative to resolve in order than is lost to inactive players sometimes. What I do in my game, and my suggestion for yours, is to allow the story to dictate who goes first (the party or the opposition) and the events transpire in the order the players post them. It's infinitely easier on the DM (trust me, I know) and it allows players to make posts without boring 'if this happens...' or 'when that happens...' kind of posts. Anything posted up to when you put your post up is fair game to interact with. I like it that way.

[Darkshard]

Another version I've seen used is a post from everyone whose initiative is better than the enemy, the enemy and then everyone after. Initiative still matters but the blocks of people posting speed stuff up.

[DraconigenaArma]

It's a step in the right direction, but that causes confusion as the DM's post is not always the round summary post.

[Aerandor]

The other game I'm playing in uses initiative but the DM roles it and everybody has a few hours leeway to post before the DM goes ahead and posts their action for them. He also pms the whole group to let them know combat has broken out. Although this can speed up combat, it also makes it so there are sometimes rounds or whole combats that a player misses if for some reason he can't post quickly enough. You have to have a group that is okay with that, or has a quick enough posting rate to handle it, otherwise it causes too much stress, but it's another idea at least.

[DraconigenaArma]

"a few hours leeway"

Are you serious? Sometimes I work 12 hour shifts. I can post once a day easy, no matter what's going on, but I've never been in a game that expects me to be on call for combat within a few hours window.

[Aerandor]

Unfortunately, yes I'm serious, although granted, this was the first time the DM had run a PbP game, so perhaps he'll change it as he figures things out. Like I said though, there were a number of times people missed rounds of combat because of it. I usually post 4+ times a day and check the site frequently (since I work from home) and even then I missed a couple rounds. A more realistic leeway would be a whole day, imho.

[DraconigenaArma]

Industry standard, at least in my experience, is 2 - 3 days for a combat post because DnD is largely a combat based game.

[Darkshard]

Ok, how are we dealing with the previous rp, or is it just assumed it never happened?

[PopCultureBard]

I started you where the previous thread left off, with you being led out of the lower deck. Your introductions, backtalk to Scourge and the subsequent promise of lashings remain intact.

[PopCultureBard]

Be sure to update your sheets regularly. Everyone should have 3 hero points noted and, I believe, Jaala took 2 non-lethal damage in her 'discussion' with the pirates below decks. Also, set your experience tracks to the fast option so that your next level xp is correct.

[slapstick]

Hello! I am here for the pirates please.

[Aerandor]

Hi slapstick. I'm guessing your the other player that PopCultureBard mentioned. Nice to meet you. Your character sheet looks interesting. I can't wait to see how she plays in the IC thread

[Darkshard]

Hahaaa, who's the 'sweet one'?

[PopCultureBard]

Heh, I was wondering that myself. Nobody fell to their painful death so far. Almost disappointing.