Experience Points!
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, March 3, 2003 10:15:51 PM
Viewable By: Rath, Vagrant, Riccoco, Nuyok, Faliol, TheGM, Celeste, Handle, Cas, Beka
I am posting this to the Storyboard instead of Campaign Messages since some players might like to respond privately.

I have been giving some thought to Experience. Given the slow passage of time in this medium of RPG, it is unlikely you could progress in a realistic manner. After all, only a week has passed since September!
Therefore, I have decided since you will have a week or two of rest at fabulous Fort Lizard, I would award Experience now and hang the realism.
Then I pondered the best way to award Experience. I could give out a flat rate, or I could award for best roleplaying, but in the end I decided just to award it on contribution. Therefore, I have looked at the Players Page as of Right Now, and decided to award one point for every 100 posts (or part thereof). This gives a range of 2-5 points, which is pretty generous of one week or pretty stingy for 5 months.

Experience
Celeste 419 posts = 5xp
Cas 292 posts = 3xp
Riccoco 308 posts = 4xp
Beka 251 posts = 3xp
Handle 101 posts = 2xp
Rath 209 posts = 3xp
Vagrant 104 posts = 2xp
Faliol 385 posts = 4xp
Nuyok 396 posts = 4xp

Those of you who were soooo close to that next level can take heart that the next time I award XP, you'll be that much closer.

Please use this thread to list what you want to spend it on/save it for.
 
 
 
 
That's very generous of you
By: Celeste
Posted: Monday, March 3, 2003 11:01:56 PM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
But I am going to decline 1 point, because a few of those posts of mine were not specific to the story line, I know you can't go back and count up all the ones that really counted, and we all made some strictly out of character posts, but I have a pretty good idea that at least 1 point's worth were fun posts. Thanks though. ; )
 
 
 
 
Thanks, Celeste!
By: TheGM
Posted: Monday, March 3, 2003 11:04:45 PM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
You are the GM's friend!
 
 
 
 
Hey,
By: Celeste
Posted: Monday, March 3, 2003 11:17:02 PM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
Do I get a point for that? : D
 
 
 
 
Burning the XP
By: Cas
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 03:15:00 AM
Viewable By: Cas, TheGM
OOC: You do realize that now you are encouraging players to post tons of OOC messages. I can see Celeste now...

Despite my temptations to buy anti-drape powers I am going to improve my stealth and pick up a familiarity in Persuasion.
 
 
 
 
OOG No more big posts for me!
By: Faliol
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 04:36:14 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I am posting line by line, baby!
You will be lucky if I post in complete sentences!

I hearby declare the "Post for Exp. Points" race officially open!

; )

You didn't just open Pandora's box, Keith! You broke off the friggin' lid!

(16 posts from 5 EXP!)
 
 
 
 
Ugh!
By: Nuyok
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 07:13:01 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Don't be a post-whore!

[Feel free to officially retract this post from my post-count]

But to be substantive, do those post counts get generated from just the storyboard, or do they include campaign messages posts as well? Presumably they do not include general messages posts, else that would add to the post count for every game someone is in? Just wondering.

Oh, and I'm assuming XP posts are private? I don't want anyone to know about my boosting of my poison skill ; )
 
 
 
 
Storyboard
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 12:35:45 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: I believe it is storyboard only that counts, and only in the game you are actually posting in....boosting poison skill? I just bought 'walk through walls' : )
 
 
 
 
Don't be too hard on him
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 12:26:11 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: I declined a point due to 'frivolous posts'. ; )
OOC: oh, wait, this is an out of character post....hmmm....rats!

[EDITED on Tue March 4, 2003 @12:31 PM (PST)]
 
 
 
 
Re: (Hero Central: The Savage Earth) Exp
By: Vagrant
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 05:45:12 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
> Handle 101 posts = 2xp

> Vagrant 104 posts = 2xp


Look who is in the race for the bottom! Vagrant is
wining by a rag.

pete

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Winning by a rag
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 12:38:33 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: very cute!
 
 
 
 
Hmm
By: Handle
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 02:16:58 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Yeah because our characters are more private and not all talk for talk sake, we don't get as much xp. But I guess we didn't contribute as much either. I guess surviving this along with everyone and some posible bonding will make me more talkative now. (or maybe I just need to post more private messages to indicate what sneaky stuff I will be doing.)

.oO(I can also maybe start hitting on Beka, She did personally ask me to continue with the caravan, The girl must dig me.)

Well I learned to drive a horse and wagon so that is half my XP spent. I guess I'd like to buy a familiarity in acting for the other. I have been acting like a gaurd when I'm not so I guess that covers it.
 
 
 
 
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Cas
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 02:22:52 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
No more slave labor for Cas!
 
 
 
 
Hmm
By: Rath
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 02:25:17 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: I ran into this problem in another campaign I was in. I was
playing the strong silent type, I learned (recently) that you can make
posts saying facial expressions and a little OOC saying why you're being
quiet and maybe some thought bubbles. This shows the GM you're
interested and paying attention, you just don't think it's appropriate
to have your character say anything. That's my take on it anyway.

 
 
 
 
Re: (Hero Central: The Savage Earth) Hmm
By: Vagrant
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 02:49:14 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
My problem with this is that as Vagrant I can't do
facial expressions due to the rags and I try to make
my posts be exactly what the other characters would
see and hear. This generally excludes the OOC stuff
most of the time. Also, I don't do the thought
bubbles because it doesn't make sense to me since the
other characters shouldn't hear Vagrant's thoughts. So
for Vagrant, I am limited to actions and speech.

That said, all of this is my choice. I could change
but I won't. If that means I get less XPs then so be
it.

P.S...yes I know this an OOC post. Maybe I can learn!

pete

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Alternative posting and PBeM Format (Lon
By: TheGM
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 11:19:26 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Excellent advice, Rath.
Being silent and non-interactive might work in a novel or movie, or to a limited degree in a face-to-face game. In a PBeM, the only interaction we have with a character is through the players' posts. We can't see what they're doing.
The conventions of role playing force us into certain patterns of behavior. Realistically, I doubt you could find nine people who would agree, after meeting in a tavern and buying a bunch of weapons, that walking down into that hole in the ground to fight monsters is a Good Idea.
The PBeM format imposes further restrictions. We have to alter the way we talk, compressing half an hour's debate into a few succinct posts. We have to communicate many options ahead of time, so that a person may respond to the most likely outcome. (ex. "If Character A is friendly, I will buy him a drink and say 'blah-blah-blah. If Character A is surly, I will ignore him and go talk to the barmaid and say "blah-blah-blah"')

I have really enjoyed the way combat runs on Hero Central, at least the way I run it. Though the time demands are considerable (running the numbers all by myself and then transcribing into an engaging narrative), it has led to more "color" than tabletop gaming. I can take the time to decide dramarically why a character missed or hit. I can describe pain, sounds, smells and detailed maneuvers and their consequences. Dialog reads much better than the "Die, Monster!" that so often appears a a table game, since I can take the time to chew over words. This has been one of the most unexpected discoveries since I started the game.

On the down side, I miss the ability to slip into character that comes so easily at the table. I have a talent for voices and assuming a persona (if I may sound self-praising here for a moment) that is totally lost on-line.
Another PBeM limitation is the timing of responses. If a high volume poster is waiting for the specific actions of a low volume poster, I must find a way to keep them occupied until the other player posts. Sometimes, I must commandeer a character's actions to keep the pacing alive, and I hate doing that.
I guess the final PBeM Limitation is pacing itself. It has taken us 5 months to cover three FTF sessions worth of material. Adventures must be written from an entirely different approach. High Fantasy Lord of the Rings-style plots are out. Conan enters the pits, slays the wizard, rescues the girl and steals the gem-plots are far more manageable. If this had been a FTF game, Ash would probably have been a bit smarter or better-prepared and would be a major villain who would have to be confronted at gradually increasing levels of power until a climactic war that would shake the very foundations of the city, and so forth.

Well, this has veered into strange territory, so I think I'll end here.
 
 
 
 
Wait!
By: Celeste
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 02:36:12 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
OOC: Beka personally asked me to stay with the caravan as well, therefore, that must mean she digs me too. Finally, someone else to needle about a character's questionable sexual preferences......YES!
 
 
 
 
Keith shouldn't have given any EXP
By: Faliol
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 02:50:44 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
No good deed goes unpunished. You shouldn't have given any of us any EXP, Keith. There was NO possible way you could have pleased everyone. Someone was going to feel ripped off.

With the griping going on, you'd think that you took something away instead of giving something out.

Yesh. : (

Is it any wonder few want to be GM's?

I see a GM working his tail off to provide us with entertainment.

Take my 4 points and give them to Handle. All I do is talk for talk's sake anyway.
 
 
 
 
Re: (Hero Central: The Savage Earth) Kei
By: Vagrant
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 02:57:08 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
You don't get it. We now get paid for our griping.
How great is that?

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Griping?
By: Nuyok
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2003 07:33:15 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I didn't see any griping here, just healthy discussion. I think the post volume is a rough indicator of contribution, and therefore meritorious of an xp base. But I think other things can be factored in (all depends on how complex you want things), ranging from 1 base xp for being on an adventure added in each time xp is given (or for each "discrete" adventure), to a more expanded use of the hero system xp chart. This medium provides an alternative method for awarding xp than in an FtF game, and can either supplant it or be blended with the standard mechanisms, whichever the GM decides. Whichever method decided on, though, the GM has to be happy with the quantity of xp distributed; just like Goldilocks, it has to be just right (not too little, not too much). This is a concern for PBeM as well as FtF games.

I've run a multitude of FH campaigns and some Champions games, and noticed my groups from long ago (and my current xp granting) run a bit higher than a new Champions group I joined last year. I'm fine with that group wanting to award lower xp than I'm used to (it's been a rotating GM campaign, I'm currently running an arc). But in the FH game I've been running, I continue to award my historically higher amounts. For comparison, the new Champions group I play in plays for 3 or so hours on a weeknight, an arc typically covers 6-8 sessions, and for an arc, 10 xp are awarded (i.e., a little over 1 per session). However, for my own campaigns, typically a 5 or so hour session on the weekend, I refer to the Hero system chart "liberally", and award the base point for an adventure, and adjust for roleplaying, difficulty, whether players solved things, level of success, etc. (there's a line with 3 or so things on the Hero chart, that I consider separately), and my typical FtF FH award runs from 2-4 xp - players know that if things didn't work out well (e.g., they had a bad plan) or if it were a bit shorter of a session, that's where the 2 xp came from, but if it was a longer session with good success and difficulty, then 4 xp can happen, though frequently 3 xp happens.

The discussion here has been interesting to me because if I run a PBeM-style game, this is providing me some advance insight on the awarding of xp in this format. Oh, and what I've posted here is not griping ; )
 
 
 
 
Normal awards
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2003 09:46:42 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
In a face to face Heroic level game, I pretty much give out a flat 3xp per adventure. If the adventure is long and spread out over two nights, I might give 4 (or 2 per night).
Champions was the same, though the awards were closer to 5 per.
 
 
 
 
Lurking on this one
By: Cas
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2003 11:33:57 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I was lurking on this one (Read: No commenting on but reading carefully) until now. I have to say that this is the best way really. Having GMed for a long time it is not easy doing XP in any system. I have tried special awards or basing it on difficulty but no matter what, SOMEONE gets stepped on.

Even when you write the XP down and share it privately, it only caused problems.

I'd use this system of Chronicles of the Wishes but I have Rage379 in my campaign : D
 
 
 
 
Not to sound like I am griping
By: Handle
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2003 07:18:29 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I don't have a problem with my 2 XP I think it is appropriate for what I have done so far in this heroic level fantasy game.

I would just no like to see people get two or three XP for being verbose and more able to post online than others. In anynormal game this would only gain one for playing in character or contributing often but not more.

As long as some semblance of fariness appropriate to actual contribution and not just number of posts is taken into account I won't have a problem and even if not I won't say anymore about it.
 
 
 
 
I'm not going to change my mind...
By: TheGM
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2003 09:58:08 PM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
...for this set of experience. But do you have a better solution?
Fair, impartial and unbiased?

Being able to post more, seems to me no different from ebing able to attend more games in a FTF game. If you have a job that keeps you from getting to a game, you miss out on XP for that evening.

Like I said, I won't change it this time, but I am intrigued by whatever ideas people might have for next time. Please move this debate to a thread on the Campaign Messages page though.

Just post XP intentions here.
 
 
 
 
XP Expenditure
By: Nuyok
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 07:18:59 AM
Viewable By: Nuyok, TheGM
While Nuyok has had several uses of skills like Climbing and Stealth, and combat, I'd say the overwhelming activities have been Adept powers, especially healing as well as non-powered healing, so my thoughts for xp expenditures are the following:

2pts toward PS: Healer (INT-based), increasing the base roll from 13- to 14-
2pts toward Paramedics (INT-based), making it a full skill, increasing the base roll from 8- to 13-

Thoughts?

Also, Nuyok would like to take the opportunity to learn to handle the caravan beasts as well as study the operation of watercraft along the way, to eventually learn some basic transport familiarities - never know when you might need a getaway vehicle!

Finally, Nuyok would like to learn more on diseases, poisons, and anatomy, given what's occurred so far, which I'll address with a post in the Current Events thread (talk to Stout, etc.).
 
 
 
 
I wonder
By: Riccoco
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 08:32:35 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
How many of these posts that worked towards getting more XP were truly IC posts.

Then, I wonder if even the OOC ones add to the whole feel of the game.

Looking over the xp awards, I can't say I really deserve more... I'm not sure I like how the numbers were decided, but, I do think they work.

So... What does that mean?

I don't know.
 
 
 
 
Yep
By: Nuyok
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 08:37:16 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
Some probably stay in character more, thus have less OOC posts (like this one). There are certainly a range of approaches to xp awards - contribution is sort of like a b-school approach (as in MBA). I've liked everyone's characters, and think everyone's uniquely distinguished themselves in varying ways - especially Vagrant. Some other honorable mentions - both Handle and Riccoco for their talking styles : ) That's real work! (Though I do try to establish a persona and talking style for Nuyok, it's not anything like those two.)
 
 
 
 
Post totals
By: TheGM
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 10:02:06 AM
Viewable By: Beka, Cas, Celeste, Faliol, Handle, Rath, Nuyok, Riccoco, TheGM, Vagrant
I am pretty sure Campaign Messages are not counted.
I thought a long time about OOC posts. I realize there's no way to separate them. Finally I decided that even OOC posts are at least tangetially related to the game and add to the enjoyment. The poster is making an effort to make this corner of HC a little more entertaining.

That's good enough for me.
 
 
 
 
What works best?
By: Riccoco
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 09:00:35 AM
Viewable By: Riccoco, TheGM
Ricco has evinced an attempt at learning to be a scout. Should he purchase the Professional Skill or just start picking skills that scouts would have? Like tracking?
 
 
 
 
Progression
By: TheGM
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 10:06:19 AM
Viewable By: Riccoco, TheGM
Either approach is viable. The PS: would mean you have an idea of how to get a job, what your duties are, help you make decisions about direction absed on the capabilities of the party, etc.

The other skills would let you be better at doing the actual job.

The only thing I would suggest is that if you go with the PS route, you make your roll less than that of your teacher initially. It just makes sense. If your base Int roll would be too high, go with the 11- base roll (2pts) and base it on Int later.
 
 
 
 
Tracking...
By: Riccoco
Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2003 07:11:43 AM
Viewable By: Riccoco, TheGM
I'll probably go with the tracking part. I don't believe Ricco's been involved in the PS stuff sufficiently to have any skills with it at this time. Therefore, I'll just work on the actual skills that he might pick up until he learns the PS, part.

I think Tracking is 3 pts. I'll have 1 left over.
 
 
 
 
Whoops.
By: Riccoco
Posted: Thursday, March 6, 2003 11:38:38 AM
Viewable By: Riccoco, TheGM
I was just going to adjust Riccoco's sheet
when I found that that plucky 'coon already knows how to track!! So, I'm open to
any suggestions for the spending of these new XP. What other skills should a
Scout have that Ricco doesn't?

 

Any other things you think he should
buy/spend XP on? He seemed to do a bit of fighting... What else? I've got 4 XP,
here! They're burning a hole in my pocket!

 
 
 
 
XPossibilities
By: TheGM
Posted: Thursday, March 6, 2003 11:59:33 PM
Viewable By: Riccoco, TheGM
1 point AK: Lizard Road?
Since you are a Traveller.

Save it towards another +1 DCV?

TF: Carts?

Buy the PS, and roleplay it a bit to justify it?

2" Flight?
 
 
 
 
2" of flight?
By: Riccoco
Posted: Friday, March 7, 2003 07:11:34 AM
Viewable By: Riccoco, TheGM
Are you joking?

I figured I'd do the Lizard Road thing once we reached Adala. I mean, I can't know the whole thing, yet...

I'm just going to save all of them, for now.

This reminds me. Any thoughts on the current path Ricco is attempting with getting back at the otters?
 
 
 
 
Answers
By: TheGM
Posted: Friday, March 7, 2003 10:19:10 PM
Viewable By: Riccoco, TheGM
Yes I was joking; I have been pulling some late nighters and was getting punchy. : )

As for the Baklava ploy, it does seem kind of lame, as you pointe out. But it might have potential with some work. The Baklava is over a week old in a tropical climate, you know.
 
 
 
 
I do (buy)
By: Beka
Posted: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 07:09:55 PM
Viewable By: Beka, TheGM
whatever's best for my character... : )

hmmm,
tracking?
caravan leader?
prestidigitation?
sebaquious cesselweaveology?

Tracking please.
 
 
 
 
XP
By: Celeste
Posted: Friday, March 7, 2003 01:30:30 AM
Viewable By: Celeste, TheGM
I'll talk to you Saturday about spending xp...also about reworking Doc Holliday if you don't mind. : )
Cripes! The boss is coming!