Another Static Group Starting - Thursdays

[Fedora1]

Details forthcoming.

What the intent is NOT:

1. Although players from THACO and STORM (v1 and v2) may be participating, this is NOT an experiment trying to emulate D&D (PnP) in DDO.

2. This is NOT a rule-heavy group intended to stop DDO monty-haulism.

3. This is NOT an attempt to compete with THACO or STORM - hence the Thursday night choice (in addition to Thursdays now being an easier day to set aside than Sundays for me personally).

What the intent IS

1. Fun with a static group.

2. A stress-free and relaxed gaming experience outside the PUG and zerg scene.

3. Take our time, enjoy the ride, but do not drag a quest out needlessly.

4. Enjoy xp, loot, and favor rewards - no feeling guilty if you come across a nice uber magic item. You find it, or loot it, or earn it; you can use it.


The GUIDELINES

I hesitate to make a numbered list, as that just starts down the path of "rules" (which are not bad things, but not the way I want this group to roll), so let me describe the basics in a conversational format:

This will simply be a no-AH, no vendor, "use what you find" group with no questing outside the group. No other guidelines necessary unless someone would like to suggest something very simple. Some calls would be common sense like - yes you can use vendors to buy thieves tools, ammunition, quivers, spell components. Other decisions can be made on the fly by group consensus and changed, relaxed, or otherwise modified later no big deal.

Death is dealt with the DDO way - res shrine or release and re-enter if you want. No one will be sitting in a tavern listening to the others have a good time, no one destroys your prize weapon.

Again, this would NOT be an experiment in bringing D&D to DDO. It would be very relaxed, yet more challenging (no twinking with AH, alts, and vendors) way of playing DDO with some good company. But it still IS DDO.

Please post below if interested (even if you have already sent me a PM) so we can keep a tally. Any and all classes/races are fine, as are multiclassed characters. We will play at whatever level and difficulty the group can handle, and it could vary from quest-to-quest. I envision a static group that may eventually be able to TR together.

[Fedora1]

As I met with another interested player last night, we discussed the possibility of a group theme or even taking the role of some Korthos NPC's and "playing" them.

For instance, a group theme might be all halflings. This might be hard if some folks don't like halflings.

The Korthos NPC theme would be something like this:

Start a character called "Jeets" (or if taken,something similar) and make a halfling rogue.
Start a character called "Amalgam" and make a warforged sorcerer.
Celemus - human female cleric.
Lars - human male "something"? Perhaps an artificer or wizard?

Look around at the NPC's in Korthos.

Is "Ursa" a fighter or paladin? She is wearing heavy armor.
What about Linus? Is he just a fat, illiterate town bumpkin or is he a Barbarian and what looks like fat is really muscle?
How about the fisherman, Baldar the Bold? Just a fisherman, or perhaps he was enlisted in the merchant marines for a few years?
How about the two brothers in the Wavecrest Tavern with crossbows? Assassins?

Anyway, these were just ideas we tossed around. You could probably make a wide assortment of characters just by using the NPC's in and around Korthos. Remember the Dwarf with the trade goods out on the island?

[Fedora1]

We would probably be looking at a 7-10PMish time frame (EST).

Suggested server is Wayfinder, since we won't be looking for PUGs or using vendor/AH, may as well select the least populated server in case anyone has lag issues.

[Varhann]

We would probably be looking at a 7-10PMish time frame (EST).

Suggested server is Wayfinder, since we won't be looking for PUGs or using vendor/AH, may as well select the least populated server in case anyone has lag issues.

I'm interested, but my participation will be intermittent until after January due to personal conflicts.

I like the idea of the theme, but I'm not so sure you can name your characters after NPCs. I think those names are blocked.

Consider me in, though. I'd like to take either a Sorc , Barb or Bard.

[Fedora1]

I'm interested, but my participation will be intermittent until after January due to personal conflicts.

I like the idea of the theme, but I'm not so sure you can name your characters after NPCs. I think those names are blocked.

Consider me in, though. I'd like to take either a Sorc , Barb or Bard.

Okay I didn't know about NPC names being blocked, we could come up with another idea if need be.

Intermittent participation is not a problem. I think we could go as far as a 3 level spread without any issues, although I know some people like to "keep up". We can make it work though. I'd say if someone is self conscience about being too far behind, questing alone to catch up to within a level or two is fine. Again, this is a relaxed static group, the idea is to have a good time outside the PUG and zerg scene.

[Fedora1]

I am still deciding what I would like to do. Probably a Paladin, Ranger, or a muliclassed version of one of those classes. Human or Half Elf. Or I might try something a little less standard, just not sure yet.

[Hazelnut]

Backstory
If we can't play the continuation of the NPCs (Jeets Cellimas and friends), then how about a family? The only restriction needs to be race. And even that could be relaxed a bit. The family doesn't have to be particularly close. Cousins (including 2nd and 3rd removed) would be pretty normal. The not-quite-family family could be people that have been with the family for a long time.

One idea might be the family was forced to leave their farm/hamlet in the Cerulean Hills when the orc bandits started attacking in force. The farm was destroyed and the remaining family broken up and trying to make a new life. Our used the last of our money to book passage out of Stormreach but the ship was attacked and we ended up in Korthos. Now we are stuck back in Stormreach and lack the funds to book passage out (at least until we are high enough level to do some of the Forgotten Realms quests). Essentially an off-shoot (or part of) the Braza family. I think Nash said everyone else ran way but he was determined to get his farm back.

Guidelines
As for rules, when we say no vendors or AH, I assume you mean the "brokers" in the marketplace. Because the general vendors don't sell anything special. Even the armor and weapons vendors in House D only sell +1 items. And those aren't very special by the time you get out of Koroths. Of course, by my own argument there's no reason to actually go buy the stuff in House D by the time I can get there. So, I guess it doesn't matter.

Character
I think I would like to try something else. I've done rangers and rogues so far. Although I haven't really role-played a rogue. Maybe a Bard (Is bard F2P?) or Cleric. I haven't really decided, I'm up for suggestions.

[Fedora1]

As for rules, when we say no vendors or AH, I assume you mean the "brokers" in the marketplace. Because the general vendors don't sell anything special. Even the armor and weapons vendors in House D only sell +1 items. And those aren't very special by the time you get out of Koroths. Of course, by my own argument there's no reason to actually go buy the stuff in House D by the time I can get there. So, I guess it doesn't matter.

Yeah pretty much. The vendors that sell normal stuff (or even +1) are fine. But potion/scroll/wand vendors probably not. Anything you can get from collectors for turning in collectables is fine.

I think I would like to try something else. I've done rangers and rogues so far. Although I haven't really role-played a rogue. Maybe a Bard (Is bard F2P?) or Cleric. I haven't really decided, I'm up for suggestions.

Bards are F2P, and are always welcome in any party. They are the ultimate support character in a way. If you have 400 favor on the server you could make a Drow which make nice bards.

Oooh maybe a group of all Drow! We'd have to play on a server where everyone already has 400 favor (or bought Drow) though and not sure everyone likes Drow. lol
Anyway keep the ideas coming.

[Hazelnut]

...

Bards are F2P, and are always welcome in any party. They are the ultimate support character in a way. If you have 400 favor on the server you could make a Drow which make nice bards.

Oooh maybe a group of all Drow! We'd have to play on a server where everyone already has 400 favor (or bought Drow) though and not sure everyone likes Drow. lol
Anyway keep the ideas coming.

That sounds fun, but I haven't got anywhere near that much favor on any server yet. Heck, I'm still trying to get 75 coin lord favor for the extra backpack slot on most of my characters. Otherwise, I would consider a Drow. I've never really liked them but I would do it for a group rp.

The family doesn't prevent alternate races as long as most of the PCs are the same race. Warforged could be retainers/protectors. One other race could have been adopted.

Bard Character
I was reading through the bard and elf enhancements and was reminded of a character from a book I recently read. The book, called The Enchanted Emporium, is a sort of modern-day fantasy book about a family of witches. One of the character, Charlotte, casts her magic through playing her guitar and is able to travel quickly by walking through a sort of magical woods. It struck me as very similar to the dragonmark abilities that the elves get.

I also thought of a failed cleric. A rogue Jorasco healer. The old rebellion story. Trained to be a healer in house Jorasco, got sick of it, and ran away to be a Bard.

So, I'm probably going to make a bard.

[Fedora1]

So, I'm probably going to make a bard.

That will be awesome.

I am leaning toward a multiclass Ranger/Rogue. Probably human, but could do helf/elf if needed for a theme.

Still looking at some classes I have never played yet. Druid? Favored Soul (which I would have to buy since I don't own it yet), or even artificer? I have splashed a couple levels of arti on a character or two, but never went all out with one. I never played a bard past level 5-ish, but since you are leaning that way I certainly can do something else.

Decisions decisions....

Oh I most definitely WON'T be playing a sorc or wiz. I have tried. I have failed. Miserably.

[Relem]

When are you likely to start the group?

[Fedora1]

What the intent IS

1. Fun with a static group.

2. A stress-free and relaxed gaming experience outside the PUG and zerg scene.

3. Take our time, enjoy the ride, but do not drag a quest out needlessly.

4. Enjoy xp, loot, and favor rewards - no feeling guilty if you come across a nice uber magic item. You find it, or loot it, or earn it; you can use it.


The GUIDELINES

I hesitate to make a numbered list, as that just starts down the path of "rules" (which are not bad things, but not the way I want this group to roll), so let me describe the basics in a conversational format:

This will simply be a no-AH, no vendor, "use what you find" group with no questing outside the group. No other guidelines necessary unless someone would like to suggest something very simple. Some calls would be common sense like - yes you can use vendors to buy thieves tools, ammunition, quivers, spell components. Other decisions can be made on the fly by group consensus and changed, relaxed, or otherwise modified later no big deal.

Death is dealt with the DDO way - res shrine or release and re-enter if you want. No one will be sitting in a tavern listening to the others have a good time, no one destroys your prize weapon.

Again, this would NOT be an experiment in bringing D&D to DDO. It would be very relaxed, yet more challenging (no twinking with AH, alts, and vendors) way of playing DDO with some good company. But it still IS DDO.

Please post below if interested (even if you have already sent me a PM) so we can keep a tally. Any and all classes/races are fine, as are multiclassed characters. We will play at whatever level and difficulty the group can handle, and it could vary from quest-to-quest. I envision a static group that may eventually be able to TR together.

Just wanted to re-emphasize these precepts and make some clarifications.

These guidelines are based on the honor system. I will not be policing or babysitting. If you buy something from the AH or give something to your toon from an alt or zerg some wilderness areas for rares/chests on a non-group day well I may not know but it probably means you are not a good fit for this group. Just sayin'.

If you get it from a quest, you can use it. If you get it from a daily roll or DDO event that is NOT questing, please don't use it for your character in this group with the following exceptions:

1. If you are F2P or Premium w/o a Tome of Learning you can use the XP rewards/elixirs from your free daily rolls or store bought xp elixirs.
2. You can always use guild renown elixirs.
3. You can use any items you get from things you picked up during quests (collectables, including those during special events).

Folks, also please remember NO QUESTING OUTSIDE THE GROUP. Special circumstances are allowable such as starting a new toon at L4/L7 (vet) and trying to catch up. Once you are caught up with the group please restrict your adventures to our weekly group get-togethers.

Since most of us are about L10 now, with some closing in on L11, I would like to suggest that soon we may allow iconics as a choice. Perhaps when half or more of the group hits L15. We will need to compare how the starter iconic gear compares to an average toon in our group at L15.

Finally I'd like to mention that we probably have room for another player, maybe even two. It looks like we usually end up with 8-10 players on a typical night. It would be nice to get that up to 10-12 to better fill 2 groups and raids. So if anyone reading this is interested please post or drop me a PM. We meet on Thursdays at 7PM EST although we usually don't start until 7:30PM to allow time for late comers, repairs and selling from the previous week, dividing into two groups, and deciding what quests to run.

[DrowsworD]

I suggest someone - leader - contact some of our missing members and ask if they intend to return or have they given up, have no time, etc etc...

At least then we would know if some of those are just hitting a rough spot and may be back next week.

Thornhill

Finally I'd like to mention that we probably have room for another player, maybe even two. It looks like we usually end up with 8-10 players on a typical night. It would be nice to get that up to 10-12 to better fill 2 groups and raids. So if anyone reading this is interested please post or drop me a PM. We meet on Thursdays at 7PM EST although we usually don't start until 7:30PM to allow time for late comers, repairs and selling from the previous week, dividing into two groups, and deciding what quests to run.

[Fedora1]

I suggest someone - leader - contact some of our missing members and ask if they intend to return or have they given up, have no time, etc etc...

At least then we would know if some of those are just hitting a rough spot and may be back next week.

Thornhill

I'm pretty much assuming anyone that has not logged in to their character since Christmas is not coming back. However, if I kick them from the guild before 6 months we lose renown. So anyone that would like to come back after a long break is welcome, no harm leaving them in the guild for 6 months.

Sometimes its awkward saying "Sorry but I won't be back" so no big deal (no hard feelings) for those who left without saying why. We've got a good core group of players and that's the main thing.

[Postumus]

I'm pretty much assuming anyone that has not logged in to their character since Christmas is not coming back. However, if I kick them from the guild before 6 months we lose renown. So anyone that would like to come back after a long break is welcome, no harm leaving them in the guild for 6 months.

Sometimes its awkward saying "Sorry but I won't be back" so no big deal (no hard feelings) for those who left without saying why. We've got a good core group of players and that's the main thing.

Or just leave them in since there isn't any guild decay any more. It's not like there are a ton of names on the guild list.

[Fedora1]

Questing began around 7:30PM and it was decided to run the Sorrowdusk Chain.

TRIVIA - Grimple has not missed a single Thursday night since we started this group. I nominate him for a cookie!

We divided into two teams:

Awesome Team:
Grimple
Lyrra
Szavage
Nimblethief
Thornhill

Team that got stuck with Morggan:
Abalurd
Aga
Sharteel
Charlette
Morggan

Awesome Team completed all but the last three quests, TTGSWM finished all but the last two quests.

We did a few of the rares and explorers just because.

Like most women, Lyrra took forever to get ready.
Where you at Lyrra?
I'm in Delera's Graveyard, I'll be right there.
You almost ready Lyrra?
Almost ready, just selling some stuff.
Are you close Lyrra?
I'm on my way....



Most of the quests went well. Nimble and Szavage split the rogue tasks equally. Nimble did the traps and Szavage did the locks.

Funniest part of the evening (and I heard a similar story from the other team) was the force trapped bridge at the end of the quest "The Grey Moon's Den: The Trollish Scourge".

Since it was Nimble's job to handle the traps he equipped feather fall and made the jump, evade, jump successfully across the bridge. Yay! We all cheered.
Then we heard the "clink, clink, clink" of him working on the trap control panel followed by a "bang, poof"!
"Oops, guys, I rolled a 1 and blew the trap box."
Cheers fade out, followed by silence.

Okay, no problem, we got the quest completion since Nimble made it across, so the rest of us will try so we can get the chest on the other side from the rare winter wolf we killed (Blizzard).

Lyrra jumps first "No wait, Lyrra you're the only one with raise" *ding* "dead"....
The ONE time she wasn't late....

Szavage tries next. Jump, hop, skip, YES made it all the way across! *ding* What the, how did I die six feet past the end of the bridge? My soul stone was several feet PAST the bridge. (Whining by Szavage only lasted a short while, honest).

Next is Thornhill. The nimble halfling with evasion. He'll make it no problem. Jump... What the? He MISSED the bridge!
Hits the lava, swims hopefully for a second as he says "I got fire resist, maybe..." *ding*

At some point Grimple made it over to the other side successfully. He gets another cookie.

Okay no big deal, we recall to our res locations. Everyone bound to the ship, "The Eye of Kol Korran", right?
Uhh, Lyrra was bound back in Necropolis or some other out-of-the-way location.

You almost ready Lyrra?
Almost ready, just selling some stuff.
Are you close Lyrra?
I'm on my way....

Good times!