Christ Centered Gamer

Alright, I may have to just drop out of this game because I'm completely lost. I have no earthly clue what is going on or what to do.

I don't know if I can do this sort of thing since my weekends are basically non-existent and I cannot do anything on this except between the hours 5-11 PM on weekdays. And it seems like because of this, I'm bogging down the game. I'd rather not be the reason the DM has to pick up the slack, having played a game with one of those people.

On top of that, I've determined that I just don't like 3.5 that much. Maybe it's because I don't have the sourcebooks, but the documentation is confusing and doesn't make any sense to me. Having no experience with this, I have to sort through it on my free time, which, being already limited, is hindering my ability to do other things.

Also, I started with 4e, which seems like a way more newbie-friendly game. Maybe I just need to play a game of 3.5 with people offline to "get" it. Either way, even after TS and Fathom's replies to my questions, I'm still lost. More lost than Odysseus.


I should point out that my time availability isn't the biggest reason for this dilemma, nor am I necessarily dropping out. I'm just pondering it because I honestly do not understand this system, nor do I know how my weekends are going to play out until they happen. Like this one. I haven't even been on the computer until now. So I see what has happened, like Fathom having to move me along to keep up, and I feel horrible and obligated to drop out.

I'm sorry my attempts to help didn't help. I'm not the best teacher. Is your dismay coming from not understanding the mechanics of the system, or not knowing what actions would be good for your character to take in the current situation? From what I can gather from your posts, you seem to be role playing well but you aren't confident in your character when it comes to combat. I say just try to have as much fun as possible by writing how your character reacts. It isn't necessarily about "winning," or stressing over the best possible move every round.

I've been looking forward to seeing how your character will interact with mine since they have opposite alignments. I don't want you to call it quits over an undead in the woods that'll probably be destroyed by Kratimos within a turn or two.

Deepfreeze32 wrote:Alright, I may have to just drop out of this game because I'm completely lost. I have no earthly clue what is going on or what to do.

I don't know if I can do this sort of thing since my weekends are basically non-existent and I cannot do anything on this except between the hours 5-11 PM on weekdays. And it seems like because of this, I'm bogging down the game. I'd rather not be the reason the DM has to pick up the slack, having played a game with one of those people.

On top of that, I've determined that I just don't like 3.5 that much. Maybe it's because I don't have the sourcebooks, but the documentation is confusing and doesn't make any sense to me. Having no experience with this, I have to sort through it on my free time, which, being already limited, is hindering my ability to do other things.

Also, I started with 4e, which seems like a way more newbie-friendly game. Maybe I just need to play a game of 3.5 with people offline to "get" it. Either way, even after TS and Fathom's replies to my questions, I'm still lost. More lost than Odysseus.


I should point out that my time availability isn't the biggest reason for this dilemma, nor am I necessarily dropping out. I'm just pondering it because I honestly do not understand this system, nor do I know how my weekends are going to play out until they happen. Like this one. I haven't even been on the computer until now. So I see what has happened, like Fathom having to move me along to keep up, and I feel horrible and obligated to drop out.

Ok, here's the deal. You are doing great. I don't want you to think you are bogging the game down, because you are most certainly not. The way a play by post game works is that often times there are people who can post multiple times a day and there are those who can't. What I've experienced in the games I've played in the past is that the GM will auto pilot the charater in hopes of keeping things fresh. If you don't want to do that, I'm ok with it. We move a little slower but it's really ok.

Regarding 3.5, I know it's not easy. Especially if you started with 4. There are a lot more rules but when the rules become second nature, the game is really fun. It's just a learning curve.

Truthseeker wrote: From what I can gather from your posts, you seem to be role playing well but you aren't confident in your character when it comes to combat. I say just try to have as much fun as possible by writing how your character reacts. It isn't necessarily about "winning," or stressing over the best possible move every round.

Agreed. This game is about fun, not about winning. Playing a magic user is also one of the harder classes to learn. I usually have people not used to 3.5 start out playing a fighter or rogue (maybe). Then once they get the handle on how the mechanics work, then I recommend they branch out to other classes. The choice is yours, however, because you are more then welcome to play a mage. If you do want to change character classes, you don't have to change your back story or anything, we'll just say you were that class the whole time. The good thing about being a GM is I can rewrite history as I see fit lol.

DF32, you're epic, and I hope you stay with the game. Don't get frustrated. This play by post style of gaming can get confusing. If you are unsure of what's up, I will be glad to update you and sift the data. Just shoot me a PM and I'll have you right on track. A clothie (mage and sometimes cleric or druid) is hard to play during combat but you will shine when it comes to npc interactions, knowledge checks, and dealing with hierarchy or people of authority. Just because this little portion is not your element, don't be discouraged.

Truthseeker wrote:I've been looking forward to seeing how your character will interact with mine since they have opposite alignments. I don't want you to call it quits over an undead in the woods that'll probably be destroyed by Kratimos within a turn or two.

Yea, the truth is that the creatures are really just zombies. The rolls have not been too favorable for the party and remember, these are early days. A zombie can seem like a lot but in a few levels you'll be destroying them by the hundreds. I'm setting this game up so it will be fast xp and leveling (for a while any way, probably until level 5). Once you get a few more levels, the mage takes on an awesome role. You become the heavy artillery in combat and no one can mess with you.

This game, especially play by post, is all about theatrics and story. It's slow moving but it's really fun after a while. I hope you don't quit but if you have to I won't be upset, just deeply depressed (jk). You rock dude, if there's anything I can do better, please (and this goes for everyone) let me know. I'm still fairly green running a pbp game. That's why I keep asking you guys to do things certain ways because i'm still trying to work out the bugs on my end. I hope you guys all have a lot of fun.

Regarding the Crit system, TS makes a valid point. We'll way it out because I don't want you guys to die at lower levels. Honestly, I'm getting the hang of this medium.

CCGR and DF32-You guys are new to the system. If there's anything (ANYTHING) at all that I can do to help clarify the rules or answer any questions, please feel free. I love this system and once you get the hang of it I'm sure it will be great for you too.

Everyone-
Right now, I'm on a job (that's why I haven't been able to post as much) but I have tons of time today so I should be able to progress the encounter along.

This encounter was more of a test encounter to see how it works. If you have any suggestions or know of any online resources (especially in the way of mapping or visuals I can improve) please let me know. I am very open to suggestions, I want to be the best GM I can be for you guys.

Thanks!

@DF32: Part of your problem I think is that 4e and 3.5e are 2 completely different games. 4e is an MMO on paper, 3.5e is the latest incarnation of the D&D pen and paper system. 4e allows mages to be useful at low levels, because that's how MMOs handle it. What you're experiencing now is completely normal for the mage class. You get very few spells at level 1, and have no business in combat, so expect to spend many actions lying in wait. Around level 5 or so, mages can pull their own weight (fireball anyone?) and form there your power level will just get more and more out of control.

As to the difficulty of the system, I think this is so far just a side effect of the pbp medium. It's pretty straightforward, but it's hard to see with a slow pace and no in person gaming.

Here's an idea: set up a skype with someone with a good grasp of the rules and play some mini-sessions, i.e. just borrow your character to run againt some weak opponents for practice, that way you can work the rules in real time so they make sense.

I can't speak to differences between 4e and 3.5, but I didn't get any sense that you're holding anybody back. CCGR and I are learning, too, still, and if anything, the sense I got was that you were more on track than us.

I hope you stay in. We need our brooding elf wizard.

I guess I'll stick around for now. It's been a really rough weekend...


Also, what's up with Initiative? I thought it was a "Roll once for the encounter" system as opposed to a "Roll for each round" system...? Maybe that's 4e talking again...

Looks like you were right. I had no idea, so I kept rerolling.

I mistakenly had concentration checked as cross class. I corrected that and allocated the freed up points to heal and spellcraft.

I don't know if you saw my post in the other thread but I will put it here too.

When/if you have an opening... I would like to join in!

Thought I saw this post before.
The party is pretty full now, but this decision is really up to Fathom, the DM.
Maybe, stick around for a potential opening or the next campaign?

@DollFace-I will keep you in mind for sure. Right now we are pretty full. If we end up needing any more players, I'll let you know asap. YOU ROCK!

Hey everyone,
Please keep us in prayer. So we are having some serious issues right now. Our home loan may fall through because of some previous tax issues. I filed for 2010 and some how it was done wrong and now the underwriters may have problems with it. The Lord is with us! We are a bit frazzled at the moment with lots of stuff going on at work (putting out fires...yay. This is our busiest season) and with the house and life in general. I have no complaints, God is good, but it's just not easy right now and we could use your prayer and support. Thanks guys!!

Sure thing, fingers crossed! Hope everything works out.

Hey guys, just made a new post. Work is crazier than I thought so hopefully I will be able to post more but I'm not sure.

Okie dokie!! I will be keeping track of what is going on and getting ready! I already have my character made so I am good to go as soon as you can use me!

I am sorry you are having a hard time in your life. I hope things look up for you soon and prayers are headed up for you!