The Storm - OOC

[Marras]

The situation is that a fight is coming? I would like to get this story to conclusion. I suppose Hans has to face Twinscars now?

[Korbel]

Well, it depends on what Karl is going to do.
But I'd like to finish this game, too.

[Benedict]

Well, will we get the story done? Before we forget where we are.

[Korbel]

Well, will we get the story done? Before we forget where we are.

Trust me, I'd love too (not that I dislike gaming with you). I was planning to finish this game in a month, or two max, from the start, LOL.
But currently we're in this awkward situation... I've tried to design a scene where Karl will have to make a really hard choice. So, I've played a bit with the scenario and here we are. For Karl, Hilde and Otto are most important (for Ruthard too, I guess, now that he got his revenge). Now, he could surrender to Erich and place Hilde under his custody, ensuring her safety (and Erich would gain a valuable "hostage" and could force Karl to fight for him). Or he (you) could fight with Erich and his men, probably winning and taking over the manor (that would be cool, I guess). Or flee... or do something entirely else. But what? I would really like to hear from Stempest. Unfortunately he's absent, it's been a month I believe.
If you have any ideas how to finish the game in a satisfying way, I'm all ears. I was kinda thinking we could determine Karl's action randomly (fight, surrender, flee) or just talk between us and decide what is he most likely going to do, and proceed from there.
I'm not against a open-ended solution, we just need it to be dramatic, cinematic and satisfying.
If we won't be able to find a nice solution, I'm leaning towards ending the action now - Erich and his men charge forward, you grip your blades, surely blood will be spilled - CUT!, end of the movie, thank you very much. Wait for the second part. Maybe. Or maybe not.
(oh, you would probably be severely disappointed and angry at me if I did this, forget it)

[Benedict]

If we won't be able to find a nice solution, I'm leaning towards ending the action now - Erich and his men charge forward, you grip your blades, surely blood will be spilled - CUT!, end of the movie, thank you very much. Wait for the second part. Maybe. Or maybe not.
(oh, you would probably be severely disappointed and angry at me if I did this, forget it)

I have no problem at all with this solution. Ending part 1 like this, then continue part 2 with the new rules. Or not continue at all.

Ruthard's priorities atm are still to win Hilde's heart, he still hates the church, and since Twinscars went over to Erich's side Ruthard wants vengeance. After all Twins owes him his life.

Let's wait for Marras to respond and whatever the majority decides I'm with it.

[Marras]

Despite the bodycount Hans is not looking for further bloodshed. His aim is just to survive the night and escape hopefully to join Ruthard's mercenaries or wander somewhere safe where he is not known as was his original idea.

I would be cool with ending the game without another fight but there is the Twinscars still blocking his way. So, if we can find a good enough reason to end the story without combat, I can go with that.

I think Karl just wants a cure for Otto and then a safe passage for his hut with Otto and Hilde. The lord of the manor might go with it as Karl has been more or less out of combat the whole time, IIRC.

So, I can see a safe way to get Karl out of this mess without sacrificing the fiction. How it goes for Ruthard and Hans, is a bit different thing. Hans might even run for it and take his chances on the road.

[Korbel]

I have no problem at all with this solution. Ending part 1 like this, then continue part 2 with the new rules. Or not continue at all.

I would be cool with ending the game without another fight but there is the Twinscars still blocking his way. So, if we can find a good enough reason to end the story without combat, I can go with that.

OK guys, that's probably the best way to go. I have an idea what might happen now and how to finish the game, with your party in a relatively safe place. And with some open options for continuation (the next day, dealing with Erich and the mob... or something different, if the party leaves the village, splits up or whatever).
Now, how do you want to get there? I could just narrate what happens, without your involvement. Or we could play this out (I would probably take control over Karl, so he would "guide" you), with or without rolling the dice (to avoid complications and stretching the game even longer).

[Marras]

Both ways are okay with me but if it's cool with Benedict then it might be a bit more satisfying to play it out.

[Korbel]

OK, Marras and Benedict, I'd like you to roll some dice for Sequence, for it's gonna be a Skirmish!
Some time ago EinBein has agreed to be our "Ref" for rolling dice in Skirmishes, I believe we can use his help now, send the rolls on priv to him.

[EinBein]

Got the first input from Benedict!

Edit: Marras missing. Then we can go on. Shall I post the results here in the OOC thread?

[Korbel]

I've sent my rolls.
Just a quick reminder in case it's needed: the distance between you and them is SHORT.
Do you need any more info?

Edit: Marras missing. Then we can go on. Shall I post the results here in the OOC thread?

Well, yes. Or maybe better in the "Combat OOC" thread.

[Korbel]

So, that would be it. Thank you very much, guys!

[Marras]

Thank you Korbel!

This was a very entertaining game. Sorry that it took so long to make the last post but I didn't notice the situation for a while. I waited for Ruthard's fight to move forward and it did so without me noticing

[Korbel]

LOL , you must've missed this post of mine:

I've edited my last post in the game topic. Karl surrenders. Marras, your turn to act.

Anyway, it's good that we finish the game before Sword&Scoundrel is fully released. It would be awkward to play using old rules, when the new set is out.
The last phase (and middle part, to an extent) was quite rushed and I'm not really satisfied with the fact. Originally, it was supposed to be more complex and interesting. Especially the parts where you had to deal with Georgius and Erich... but hey, we would be playing until summer or something, if I did that. Sacrifices had to be made . If I ever GM again, I will have to design something much "tighter", plan better and make it more intense.
My favorite NPC was... Gunther
As a GM, the most fun was when I had to come up with COMPLICATIONS Generally, Complications and Bonus Rewards are very cool, I love this mechanic. Obviously, combat system and SA's are gold.
OK guys, please tell me frankly, where do I really need to improve as a GM. I see many areas where my performance was sub-optimal, but it would be nice if you helped me with feedback. Vocabulary aside, I know it sucks

[Benedict]

Great playing with you all gang. Even with that inglorious final scene.

Feedback, since you asked it.

1. What I've already told you in PMs: in games like these there is no such thing as an easy fight. Easy fights is a 3.0+ DnD lv20 syndrome, not an actual thing imho. So don't plan ahead assuming a fight/challenge/whatever is easy. Actually don't plan ahead anyway.

2. Set a basic outline of the time and the place, a short list of your cast of GM characters, and let the players succeed, screw up, die, conquer, or whatever. And ofc be prepared to narrate whatever the players achieve, good or ill.
I say that cos I had the feeling that at times we put you off-balance
Could be wrong tho, like I said, it was a feeling.

These are my two cents.

That doesn't mean I didn't like the game, my co-players, or you as GM. Quite the contrary I must say. It was a long time I enjoyed a game like I enjoyed The Storm™.