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Post by Admin on Apr 2, 2012 19:00:04 GMT -5
((Sorry, Evan, here's goes another novella-sized post )) From Evan:I couldn’t agree more. It really felt like the roleplay took a great step forward this weekend. There was only one occasion where I was sneaking around in the darkness and overheard people talking out of game instead of ingame. Okay, so in my mind the giant undead bunny rabbit didn’t look like a giant undead bunny rabbit. My skills with foam might have come up a little short bringing this particular vision to life. Glad you liked it being out on Friday. Finally, we got the whole gem thing straightened out! I appreciate how patient you’ve been with us over the journey Evan, because you’ve been negatively affected by its lack of proper implementation longer than anyone. And I am really glad that you like the finished product. Awesome. Lesson learned, as I mentioned in response to Joe. I’ll be absolutely blunt on this one. We are very low on coin for a couple reasons. One, when we took over the chapter, it was very low on coin because it had never received its full coin order. Two, our PCs do not bank the coin that they do receive. We did put out our treasure allotment this weekend (well, maybe a little more, actually), but a lot of it came in the form of gems. I can appreciate players that would like more hard coin in their pouches at the end of an event. But coin is expensive out of game and the events don’t cover the cost that we put into them in any case. We are doing everything we can to keep the event cost low and we’d like to keep it that way. I will completely fall on the sword for this one. I didn’t get the system fully finished until Wednesday. Not having the NERO gear out of the trailer until Thursday night was a second setback, which is also why there was not a whole bunch of stuff in the woods. There were only seven or eight items that went out this weekend with codes. I don’t know who has them or who evaluated them. But we will have this corrected at the next event. I think you’ll like it. Thanks for the feedback! From Red Herring (Sean Ellis?) I am hesitant to offer “personal plot” or other incentives to have people NPC. Honestly, I was hesitant to offer anything at all. This is because I want people to come and NPC because they want to and because they want to see the game better. I’ve played in chapters where it’s required and you’ve never seen such half-assed NPC effort in your life. Realism and consequences are really important to us as a plot team. If the PCs never fail, then (in my opinion) they can never really succeed either. Last October at the Royal Academy, the PCs succeeded in truly remarkable fashion and I think it was all the sweeter because they knew that they do fail sometimes. I’m glad you like the library. It’s cool to see how many times each of the books have been viewed. Modules definitely do help to give that individual sense of accomplishment, too, and hopefully we can get more of them involved at the next event, staff willing. Jay and I are constantly trying to experiment to find the way to accomplish this. For every step that we take closer to the solution, we seem to take a step back. Take Friday night for example. We put the pieces out in the woods and then put the NPCs in the woods to create encounters. It worked well for those who went out looking, but a lot of people didn’t. So we had to change things up to give the people that didn’t something to do. We’ve tried a lot of combinations. If you have an idea for something that would successfully get the majority of people up and out of the tavern, I’d love to hear it. Consumers. That’s a great way to put it. To be honest with you, I don’t think that the NERO business model has much room for consumers. It just relies too much on support from its player base to be successful. You get very many consumers around and the whole ship sinks. I lean a little more towards using the PC’s who volunteer to NPC as the parts for the modules. This is because it generally would only require one costume and I think PCs would find it more interesting than going in as the random stuff. Of course, at this point, this theory is just that: theory. We did not have enough volunteers this past weekend to really get a meaningful feel for how the system works. Thanks again for being one of the volunteers. We try to get things out in the woods. We really do. You know, that’s a really good point and I’m glad you pointed it out.
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Post by devling on Apr 3, 2012 15:09:24 GMT -5
Hello Everyone,
Some things that I'd like to point out from the event and about Nero Detroit "Bill and Jay's" game.
The onset of this weekend was kicked off by negative emotions from some PC's. Some people were upset that they couldn't bring in items and transforms that would offset the balance of the game. They were offered transforms equal to the power level of the game Nero Detroit runs. They decided to take their negative attitudes into game and push their negative attitudes off on other PC's in game. When they didn't have things to kill and magic items to get the started criticizing the game down to telling PC's how much Gold, how many Components, and how many magic items should have been put out during the weekend. This made all of our PC's question the plot team and what they were doing.
Looking back on it I should have told them to where to take their comments and ideas of how the game is supposed to be ran. I didn't and I apologize to the Plot team, NPC Staff, and the PC's in our chapter. I wont make that mistake again!
Issues that came up during the event from the NPC team. Strange acting NPC's, Funny fighting styles from undead, and people swinging to hard.
If a monster is acting out of character ask the NPC whats going on and if their is a reason they are acting the way they are. If this doesn't answer your question it will most likely show the NPC they need to goof off some where else. IF THEY KEEP DOING IT TALK TO BILL AND JAY.
Funny fighting styles/actions from NPC's again ask the NPC why and have them explain why they are acting/fighting this way. If the conversation doesn't fix it then TALK TO BILL AND JAY!
NPC's Swinging to hard. Aaron I'm going to pick on you for this one. When you jumped out as Undead and you were swinging a Two hander you swung way to hard at my feet and almost took me off of my feet and I'm a big guy. I told you that you were swinging to hard and then I didn't see you swing hard at anyone for the rest of the event. The idea of fixing the issue by swinging as hard or harder than the person that hit you will only lead to people getting upset and in time people getting hurt so Don't hit back hard! Talk to the person, ask them to stop, and if it doesn't fix the issue TALK TO BILL and JAY!!!
So What I'm getting at is this game is for us, by us, and we are responsible for acting like adults while playing the game. If we as a LARPING Family don't take care of our Plot team, NPC's, and other PC's we will loose this game.
History Lesson for everyone
I STARTED LARPING when Bill and Jay ran the old chapter Nero Great Lakes 16 years ago when I was 14 years old. I used to get so pumped up to go to Nero and play with all of my friends. We used to prep for weeks doing back yard Nero just to prep our skills for the game. My group the Gentles of the Shade were one of two groups that were at EVERY EVENT! The rush of fighting, running and spell casting was a great adventure and we all loved it. We LARP'ed for the game, the adventure, and to have fun with our friends. I used to get mad when higher level people from other chapters waring Gym pants, Tabors, and baseball cleats would come to our events and make magic items all weekend and get soak up all of the plot and take the NPC's away from the good players. I call the game they were playing Kill Stuff and Get Stuff NOT LARPING!!! They had the "LA" Live Action down but not the "RP" Role Playing!!!
Ok that rant is over you get my point.
I see people who have the same great fire and fun while playing this game. We have a few new players that might feel like they aren't part of the plot or main plot going on. All I can say is get on board with some of the people who you see "getting the plot" I know I was waist deep in it all weekend and it almost killed me a few times! I could have used more people with me at all times even at a high level adventuring in our lands is dangerous.
Thanks for reading my rant and I hope to see all of you soon!
Asa/ Devlin
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Post by Culloden on Apr 3, 2012 15:18:57 GMT -5
Hip hip Huzzah
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Post by Admin on Apr 3, 2012 16:00:17 GMT -5
To be very clear on one point here. NERO Detroit is not involved in the stats arms race that other chapters seem to be engaged in. We still use exactly the same stats for monster cards that we used back when we opened the chapter. When I recently played in Atlanta, I played an crunchy NPC with 400 body. The ONLY creatures we have put out in this chapter with that much body are prop monsters.
It’s for this very reason that the 9th Edition Formal Rules do not have specific statistics for golems and other creatures. It would make no sense for a PC transformed into a golem to have +200 body here when none of our NPCs get that kind of stat boost.
Somehow, our events manage to be deadlier than those chapters with the big stats nonetheless.
I’m glad that Asa brought this up. At every weekend we’ve run, we have put out treasure either equal to, over, or very close to the treasure distribution allotment, with the exception of production items. The distribution system allows for a massive amount of production items to be put in to play. Personally, I feel that doing so would marginalize craftsmen even further than the goblin system already does.
When it comes to coin and components, we are almost always right where we are allowed to be. When it comes to magic items, sometimes we are low, but we always track how many go out because we are allowed to give those magic items out at future events if they don’t go out at this one.
To add a little more of our perspective on magic items… When we write the event, we don’t know how many PCs we’re going to have exactly, but we generally have a ballpark. As we write, we consider which NPCs it makes sense to have magic items on. We put these items in to play with an understanding that they may or may not go out. If the NPC isn’t defeated, he keeps his magic item for the next time he comes in and we have another item we can put out at a future event.
I am going to go a little behind the curtain here, but I figure I might as well nip these thoughts in the bud in case anyone believes that we aren’t putting out as many as we’re allowed. With 44 PCs at the event, we were allowed to put out 8 1-year and 3 2-year items this event. We actually put out 7 1-years and 2 2-years. We now have 2 more items in the hopper for future events.
I don’t want our chapter to become 1940’s America with some sort of crazy isolationist policy. And I don’t want our PCs getting into shouting matches with anyone that they perceive is saying bad things about our game.
But Asa, your point about this being a “family” is really dead on. Jay and I run it and technically own it (owning a debt, yay!) but we want everyone to feel like this is THEIR game. If the PCs have a mindset of it’s “us against them” it really isn’t going to work.
If someone’s complaining about anything, the best thing you can do is just tell them to come talk to us. Whatever their concern might be, I’m happy to address it with them.
Our game isn’t for everyone. It really isn’t. I mentioned to Dave at the end of the event that if “treasure” is in the top five of your priority list for what makes an event fun, you’ll probably hate our chapter. Because we do put the treasure out there, but we don’t make it all that easy or standardized. We gave out as many magic items this weekend for roleplaying encounters as we did for fights. And we’re just about always going to be that way.
But if you are looking for a story, I’d like to think that we could put ours up against any LARP running anywhere out there.
One correction here. Back in those days, Jay was just a consumer. He came out and paid his event fee. I think that he NPC’d exactly one weekend in all the years that Great Lakes was running. Most of the time, I was the solo plot guy. Looking back on the plots I ran back in those days, it shows. I couldn’t be more grateful to Jay for the work he’s doing now.
A great point.
Thanks for the feedback and support, Asa. I’m glad that we’re helping rekindle those old fires.
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Post by Admin on Apr 3, 2012 16:03:29 GMT -5
One more piece of feedback from me.
In my long list of thanks and comments, I didn't mention one NPC in particular. Maybe it's because I was tired when I wrote it or maybe it's because I thanked him in person at the event. I don't know.
But I'd like to extend my thanks to Garrett. He's been out there NPCing every event except one for us. And the event that he didn't NPC was probably the worst we've run. He's a big part of the reason why.
Garrett is tireless and always brings a great attitude in to the game that does more good for Jay and I than you can imagine. And he gives us someone we can trust to help whip our new NPCs into shape. Add in to that the fact that he's usually the one doing the most fighting at any given event and there's only one way to describe him: invaluable.
Thanks, Garrett
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Post by lohril on Apr 3, 2012 19:26:46 GMT -5
Hey all, I wanted to post some thoughts from the flip (NPC) side of things. First, I wanted to say thanks to everyone who came out and played their guts out this weekend. I have been watching Bill and Jay put together events over the last year or so, with no small amount of eye rolling at the hours of story-writing, prop-monster-constructing, and general agonizing that goes into every single one of the weekends that they put together. I will admit that there was more than one occasion where I thought that the amount of effort and detail that they strive to put into every single encounter would be utterly wasted on the PC population at large. I am glad to say that this weekend I was proven completely wrong. It was great to see the level of interest that the PCs took in every single NPC character that was sent out, looking for the nugget of plot goodness that they were sure was hidden in there, somewhere. Sides notes: Sticks, Rath, and Casey, you guys made the tavern a blast to hang out in. Bud and Tyler, you definitely brought your characters to life, and had me rooting for your respective causes. Also, thanks to all of you who helped to educate the new (and not so new, but returning) NPC's, including myself. It's been about 10 years since I last played the game, and between my memory getting worse and the rules changing twice, I know that there were things that needed remedy-ing and rules that needed clarifying. For the most part, these were brought to my attention promptly, and I feel like I was able to better myself as an NPC through the constructive criticism of the players this weekend. Special thanks to Dave for yelling "ow" in my face (managing to make me laugh, get distracted, and get killed, all while reminding me to pull my hits) and to Asa for bringing an NPC issue to my attention fast enough that I could do something about it for the duration of the game. I really do want to improve, and help make the game more fun to play. When PCs speak up and bring things to the attention of Bill, Jay, or myself, it can help to diffuse any tension that can otherwise smolder. I, for one, want to save the tension for in game issues To the NPCs who came out this weekend, thank you. It was a lot of fun running around with all of you guys. In particular, thanks to Aaron for reminding me that I am not, in fact, completely ancient; to Ben for accepting my physical roleplay without question, and to Tim for bringing a levelheadedness and element of solid fighting technique. Garrett and Big Mike, it was great to see you guys again. I always learn something from both of you when we play together. Aaron's friend and other guy, as you may be realizing right now, I am terrible with names, but it was great to see the level of enthusiasm you guys brought to monster camp, and the way that you incorporated correction into your gameplay. To all the PCs who felt like the NPCs were targeting them out of game and trying to "beat" them: overall, I would say that there ended up being a moderate level of frustration on both sides of the monster card. There were both PCs and NPCs who felt like they were targeted unfairly, who were called on rules violations wrongly, and who complained to their companions, but not to Bill or Jay. Again, this went both ways and led to players and NPCs feeling hamstrung while trying to play. To the PCs, I know that there's a dead horse on the ground that I'm beating, but please say something to the NPC, or if that fails, to Bill or Jay. To the NPCs, think of how you would want to see a monster or NPC portrayed if you were the one playing the game, and take the criticisms and suggestions that come your way in that vein. It's not personal unless we make it that way. I am just as guilty as anyone else in monster camp this weekend of forgetting that basic tennet. I will endeavor to be better, because this weekend made remember why I spent so many years playing this game in the first place. See everyone next time, whether you want to or not -Christy
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Post by Ceilyn Wemyss on Apr 4, 2012 0:10:24 GMT -5
Hey everyone! To start I would like to apologize to everyone at the event I was not in the best of moods for idiotic reasons and i'm sorry for poorly influencing the game and everyone that was there. It won't happen again! Bill and Jay run a great game both story-wise and combat-wise. Plot and story both progressed greatly as we put the pieces together. I feel that things started slow on Friday night but quickly picked up pace. While it seemed there wasn't much in the woods in comparison to past events maybe this was supposed to be that way. All in all i had a pretty decent time and i'm pumped for the next event! Once again sorry for my behavior and attitude towards the game it won't happen again!
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Post by Admin on Apr 4, 2012 8:59:03 GMT -5
Thanks, Ceilyn. Your apology is more than accepted. We all make mistakes, just as Jay and I did with respect to all of this negativity ourselves. We should have been out monitoring the NPCs earlier in the event. If we had, maybe more of this could have been nipped in the bud before it turned into the mess that it became.
In a lot of ways, I think that this event was a good learning experience for all of us. I really hope that this event served to really drive home our open door policy. We really do want to fix all of the problems that people have. No matter what it might be, it's always better to bring these things to our attention.
I'd agree that things started a little slow on Friday night. Jay and I had some key roleplay stuff that we had to get going as soon as the event happened in order to make the rest of the event flow. This led to a long leadup time before I could get out into the woods as the Emperor spirit and even a longer run-up before Christy could get out as the Empress spirit. I couldn't believe that it was already 2am when the PCs gathered on the field to perform the summoning. You should have seen me and Jay scrambling at monster camp to put the finishing touches on the prop monster in the hour that it took to cast the ritual!
As for the woods, as I've mentioned, we wanted to have more out there but it was just a matter of time and preparation. Without access to the props until the night before the event (you know, you helped pick it up!), we were just so limited on what we could have ready. And then, with the aforementioned things we had to do to get the event rolling, we just didn't have the time to get the woods "stocked." I can tell you that, for the next weekend, this is already a high priority. You can expect it to be back like it was at the last event for the next one.
Glad you had fun despite the difficulties. We recognize the difficult position you were placed in sometimes at this event and appreciate your support.
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jay
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by jay on Apr 4, 2012 11:05:03 GMT -5
Sorry it has taken so long to add my 2 cents.
First off I want to let everyone know, PC and NPC alike how much Bill and I appreciate you. We throw some complex twisted stuff out there and you have really immersed yourselves in it making it your own. It makes our work so much more enjoyable.
I'm not going to rehash so much stuff that's all ready been gone over, but I will say, I'm so proud of you all that you believe in and defend our style of play. I truly believe our chapter will create some of the best players in the game.
Devon, James, Nick and Cody. It's cool to see your group growing and I'm looking forward to seeing what you all do as time goes on. It's awesome to see young teams developing.
Madison, Shantel, Anya, Cassey, Ashley and Beth. Beth I know they all miss you a lot and the new members are excited to meet ya! Hope to see ya this summer. What an awesome group you have. It's only in its infancy but I look forward to watching you all grow as players. ELF POWER..(not the top of the food chain like Stone Elves but not bad all the same! jk)
Rob and Greg. (the new Gypsies) I loved that you two came right in and made an impact on the plot. You have very interesting characters with great presence and roleplay. You were both excellent additions to our game and I really hope you come out again!
Garret, I can't begin to tell you much we appreciate you NPCing for us. You're invaluable.
Aaron, I'm so glad you're back in the game. You've been a huge help.
Asa, Watching you change as a player over the past year has been amazing to say the least. I can't give you enough kudos.
Evan, Your food....even better then ever! It was also really nice to see you able to have more time to get involved. I look forward to more roleplay with Sticks.
Scott, (Tav) Another excellent addition to the game. Your help in the tavern is felt all around and your roleplay is appreciated by all!
John, (Neville) You really impressed me this weekend. Talk about a game changer!! Things would have turned out a lot differently in Sanctuary if not for you!
Dave and Jenelle, What can I say? You continue to help bring our story to life with your rich deep thinking characters. You Keep Bill and I on our toes at all times!
Joe, Stu, Jeff and Sean. Man I love your team. You guys add SO much to the game with your roleplay and simple presence! Playing that part for you all Sat evening in your room was one of my best RP experiences ever in the game.
Big Mike and Ashley, Thank you for coming out and NPCing and taking pictures. Ashley, your pics are amazing, you really have a talented eye. Mike, I wish I could have you at everyone of our events for the duration!!! You're a Godsend.
Tyler and Bud, I love your dedication to your parts. You're an inspiration and role-models to a lot new players. I really hope they all follow your examples!
I know there is more I'm missing but anyone that knows me understands how much I truly loathe writing of any kind.
I guess I lied when I said I wasn't going to rehash the same stuff.
Again, Thank you all. We wouldn't be running if it wasn't for your love and support of how play the game.
Thank You, Jay
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Post by Garrett on Apr 4, 2012 17:33:35 GMT -5
So anyways,
I would like to add my opinion to the event feedb ack section. Personally I was a little a frustrated a couple times this event. Probably it was my personal fault and I should not have. I apologize to anyone that I offended in my little rants.
I understand that I do not know every new rule and appreciate all the npc's and pc's for informing me on the new rules. I will try to reread the new rulebook and know it a lot better. It seems that whenever I get used to the rules, NERO up and changes the rules, but really there should not be any excuses...I take the all the blame for that.
Personally, I think this event was probably was the best run event since you guys started. Every plot event was right on the time schedule and that was awesome.
Lastly, I really appreciate the comments you had given me and I would like to say that thank you to you and the other NPCs for making this event very...rememorable.
Garrett
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Dieben
Junior Member
NPC Living in a Surrealistic Society
Posts: 54
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Post by Dieben on Apr 5, 2012 1:52:23 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay in my response, between recovering from the event exhaustion and having my wisdom teeth out this morning, it has been quite difficult to be be awake enough to write a coherent post.
First off, as the widely referenced "fencing undead," I apologize for that. I hadn't realized I was even doing it until Bill pointed it out to me a couple of times. Apparently my classes are starting to show more than I had expected in my fighting, instinct and all that.
I'd also like to apologize for the excessive flash on my camera during the prop monster fight; the school paper's equipment is notorious for its intolerance of both darkness and low temperatures. As such neither camera was cooperating with me that night and I ended up detracting from the immersion of that encounter. Sorry about that.
In response to your comment Bill, I have never, ever felt bullied or picked on by you or any other member of our plot team since you, Jay, (and Jordan) took over the chapter. At those corrections I feel both grateful for them being found early in my gaming so that they don't become habitual errors and sometimes frustration with myself for not seeing and catching myself on some of those beforehand. Thank you for showing me the proper way to play and for not getting angry or upset with me for the errors I make. I really enjoy NPCing and will continue to do so for the next four years at least since Albion's college tuition will be devouring the vast majority of my income for that time.
I really enjoyed this event and some of the unique role play opportunities it offered. I learned that I had little to no idea what a dying wolf sounds like, so I have since looked it up on Youtube. I had the opportunity to practice my Germanic conversational skills, I intend to consult my German teacher to expand my LARP-relevant vocabulary. After singing for the first time in public, I must give serious kudos to Eileen for doing that for every one of her rituals. I also know why she keeps her lyrics on hand for those.
All in all I had a marvelous time and I look forward to the next event.
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Post by Admin on Apr 5, 2012 7:26:05 GMT -5
We all get frustrated. I only with that I'd taken the time to go out and marshall some encounters earlier so that I could have alieved some of the frustration on both sides earlier. It's something that Jay and I will be working on at future events.
It's not a matter of blame. We all make rules mistakes from time to time. It's just a matter that we should all be looking out for eachother and looking to see a better game.
From our end, that's how Jay and I feel about it, too. It was far from perfect, but we learned some more important lessons when it comes to event planning that we will carry over to the next one. I expect the next one to be even better.
You're welcome. Jay and I meant every word.
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Post by Admin on Apr 5, 2012 8:15:44 GMT -5
God, I remember having my wisdom teeth removed. One of the grisliest experiences of my life (they didn't knock me out). That's a slow recovery. Hang in there.
That's why I went out there. It can be hard as an NPC to tone back on instincts. It's a problem that I run into a lot myself and I just try to make a conscious effort to avoid it.
Am I reading this right? Are you trying to apologize for taking pictures of our newest prop monster. To quote Chad Ochocinco... Child, please!
Just post the pictures or email them to us or something, because (as the one strapped into the damned thing), I really have no idea how it looked.
I'm glad to hear that you didn't feel like we were picking on you and that you took the ciriticism in the vein that it was intended. Good to know you'll be back to keep on helping.
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Post by Tyler Sevakis on Apr 5, 2012 11:49:16 GMT -5
My computer is fixed! I am free to finally post my feelings on this event!
What a spectacular two weekends it has been. I had a blast at NGR, and got to come home and take up the red tabard at Nero Detroit with no pause between. Here are my feelings on my Home Chapter and their excellent delivery once again.
First off, I want to say how happy I am I managed to get off of work in the nick of time, even if it meant missing a lot on Friday. This was one event I dont think I could have stood to miss.
I'll start with what I did see Friday. I remember how I chided most market days as "Let's all get ready to do the ritual on Saturday!" Pretty much every event I have ever attended, Saturday night was ritual night. The formalists and those in the know really got to flex their muscles and bother everyone about obtaining a scroll, or finding components, or securing the right information. It's good roleplay, but does get samey. Funny I should comment when this was the one event I was proven wrong!
The prop monster (while it did look a bit like a rabbid) was really creepy. I'll admit when I heard the smoke go off I glanced up -sorry!- during the hold and got to see you all running out of it. It looked spectacular! I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing when people went white when the prop monster suddenly started sprinting toward them! Big doesnt mean slow, I guess. A lesson we all had the pain of learning!
I can say I got the most use out of my levels in formal magic this event (Even if I was popping too many sticks >_< My cantrip tome trolled me.). Contingencies and Armored To- were life savers, however, how loud are you expected to make the call if you're trying to be subtle? I dont want to cheat, so I found myself going up to NPC's after fights and explaining why I had gotten off the ground. Any help would be appreciated on this matter.
Evan, I love the way the tavern is being run this time. Being a short order cook myself, I know how an open menu -especially with everyone's special orders coming in- can be a pain. But it really was an excellent touch, the food was great, and best of all, I never had to leave site for edibles!
Now, to the plot team. I would like to say, bravo my friends. I really felt like this was the event where I had more than the typical amount of investment. I really appreciate bringing Devlin on-board to help me with this new position better. Admittedly my character is very naive, honest and open to a fault, and has been pretty unsure of what he is supposed to be doing in Sanctuary. (I blame this mostly on my lack of communication with you guys, only responding to what letters you send me without actively seeking instruction). I know I can learn a lot from him -on both of my characters now >_> - and together we got a hell of a lot accomplished! The plot we were involved in really had me feeling like I was a major player in these dealings, and I loved it to bits! The post in the Scribe's paper from Dren will be something Marcus will keep with him forever.
The NPC staff was amazing. Everyone played their roles well, Christy(sp?) really pulled off the creepy empress, and I loved our exchange when she played Comadea(sp?). The meeting was fantastic -even if I did have to run out and save lives- and it was really spectacular to see everyone trying to guide the lands in their favor. Jay, insult or compliment, you always manage to play those oily, unsavory characters like a champion. Bill, as a raging rabbit demon, or a broken down barbarian chief, you always manage to give your performances weight, and you give off this air of authority in any position you put yourself in. Aaron did a fantastic job as the emissary of K'thes, smug and unmoving, exactly what the part needed. I never once felt like I was sitting in a room with a group of actors. The entire event I felt like these things were actually happening, these decisions all had weight on a world I was a part of. That's magic, my friends.
As people have mentioned earlier, there were some monsters doing a few wacky things, and even some complaints about people swinging hard. Combat in NERO is a confusing, often clumsy, maelstrom of foam, numbers, and incantations. I dont mind getting a good slam now and then, and the claims that people were out to hurt each other I believe had no merit. I can say I had a ton of fun running around as the palest goblin you would have ever seen (I sweat like a dog, no make-up can handle perspiration of this magnitude). When myself and a fellow goblin chanced upon Bill as a spirit, I thought it was pretty hilarious interacting with another NPC.
All-in-all, I know it seems like I've done nothing but praise everyone, but that is honestly how I feel. I have always been firmly in the position that NERO is what you make of it. You make your fun, and this is why I have never attended an event I did not enjoy, especially with our current plot team.
Oh! I guess I could say my wolf pelt had no numbers on it. So hah! Fix that you lazy so-and-so's!
Thanks for the adventure, and let's have another very soon! Tyler (Sir Marcus Sir Soot, Sir)
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Post by Admin on Apr 5, 2012 12:38:29 GMT -5
Like I said in an earlier post, Jay and I wanted to break that "samey" feeling that you're talking about by having the summoning and prop monster happen on Friday night. This, of course, led to a feeling of a letdown by some players and I can understand that. It's something to continue working on for us. A big part of our design process for this one was to make something big, a prop monster that could be more effective because it wasn't quite as slow and lumbering as they usually are. The thing was still pretty heavy, mind you, but light enough that I could get up to a run. I think it worked pretty well. The activation of the contingency casts a spell, which has visible effects that players around the person casting it should be able to recognize. For that reason, the contingency should be announced in a loud enough voice that, at the very least, those close to you should hear. Think of it this way: When a PC or NPC is down on the ground counting their 5-minute death count, it's pretty common for that player to move around for out of game reasons. You shift so that you're not crushing your back against a rock or some other reason. In game, you would be utterly still and motionless. If you sub-vocalize the contingency life and then start moving, most NPCs are going to think one of two things. You either (1) are getting up to take your stuff off because your body is dissipating or (2) you're moving out of game to get more comfortable. In the encounter with me when you used your contingency life, I was looking directly at you from about five feet away when you got up. I didn't react because I thought that you were disippating. I didn't realize you were in game until the shouting started. I think that you can imagine that my in-game reaction might have been a little faster if I had known that a life spell had just flashed before my glowing red eyes. So, for the future, contingencies have to be plainly announced just like spells are to signal what is going on to both PCs and NPCs. Agreed! Thanks, Tyler. The "real world" feeling that you're describing here is what we strive to attain at every event we run. I am glad that we were able to make you feel immersed in the world and to bring it to life for you. I feel like this event was our best at making that happen as all of the NPCs we've been playing and writing about show their human sides and their flaws along the way. Well, that would be because it doesn't have any in-game value. Had I known those things were going out, they likely would have.
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