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#179665 Congratulations Jolyth

Posted by VigaHrolf on 06 January 2005 - 10:46 AM in Scribbles on the Wall

Welcome aboard Jolyth.  I'm sure things will run smoothly and all that jazz.

VH



#179664 Got a Question?

Posted by VigaHrolf on 06 January 2005 - 10:45 AM in Scribbles on the Wall

Indeed. Send it to either of your friendly neighborhood mods and we'll review it. Just nothing that would make the readers of Penthouse Forum jealous, alright?

VH



#170595 Comments on "A Meeting of Like Minds"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 20 November 2004 - 03:18 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Pitchfork? dry.gif Ha! Peanuts! Too good for you! tongue.gif


Oh... :P

He's still alive!  So there!


  Pitchfork? (I'll loan you my pointy stick+2 biggrin.gif )


Nice, nice work, VH. But I felt a little sympathy 'twinge' in my hands as I read through the healing ritual.. *ouch*

MG


Thanks MG.  Well, for everything else other than the pitchfork/pointy stick.  That's just mean. :P

Nice work, VigaHrolf. :). Sorry, I only just came back from camp, else I'd have commented earlier. You've done a great job! Just continue it... please? Pretty please? :)

View Post


Thank you very much Shadowhawke.  And no worries.  

As to continuing... it may be.  But I don't know about that right now.  So I guess it's just.. watch this space? :)

VH



#169153 3E vs AD&D

Posted by VigaHrolf on 12 November 2004 - 10:30 PM in Delusions of the Mind

As to complexity, I think 3rd edition heaped on too much.  The feats (which feats do I have?  Which are operating?), the various armor classes (deflection, base, flatfooted, unarmored), the extra rolls with magical spells, and all the modifiers, well, it dragged a lot of situations out for me as both player and DM.  When you have limited time to play, I want to spend it roleplaying, not rolling dice.  And that's where 3rd edition ticked me off.

Finally, on the stats thing... I understand your point about how a 17 means you're 1 point closer to an 18, which means only 4 levels to get there.  But, that also means that for 4 levels, one of the hardest stat combinations to get, a 17, is still only as good as a 16.  And if you have all even numbers, well then that 1 point every four levels is rather worthless until you move up 8 levels.

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Have you ever heard of Chivalry and Sorcery? That was complicated. A beautiful system, but really complicated. Honestly, a lot of gamers simply aren't interested in the challenges of roleplaying. They don't want to invest the time and imagination needed to take average stats and create a truly memorable character.

Happy Trails . . .

Mark

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Never heard of it actually. But really, my experience is limited to D&D and White Wolf, both which have their pluses and minuses. And as to the challenges of roleplaying, I think the stats things matter on the campaign. I think the true key is balance, no one character in the group overpowering another. That's the way to get a good flow and good roleplaying going. The way to have the most fun, as it is truly the goal, no?

VH



#169067 3E vs AD&D

Posted by VigaHrolf on 12 November 2004 - 11:54 AM in Delusions of the Mind

Since it's been resurrected, I guess I'll weigh in again.

Now, I will admit that some of my arguments are colored in nostalgia. I've got years of time logged into 2nd edition as opposed to maybe a little under a year for 3rd. But I also put that in as a marker to show I have played 3rd, as both player and DM.

My groups were generally good groups. Almost exclusively roleplayers, not so much power munchkins. But, it didn't take long for that to start to creep in. It's because the system lends itself IMHO for powergaming. Paladin thief mages running around blasting things (not that I saw one thankfully) And I noticed myself falling for it too.. when suddenly you can just start tinkering with everything. It's a lot of temptation.

However, this is probably one of those items that people love or hate. Some love it for being able to have whatever you want and others hate it for the same reason. I felt it cheapened the great classes and powers and I also hated having to be the bad guy and turn down an idea. *shrug* that's just me.

As to complexity, I think 3rd edition heaped on too much. The feats (which feats do I have? Which are operating?), the various armor classes (deflection, base, flatfooted, unarmored), the extra rolls with magical spells, and all the modifiers, well, it dragged a lot of situations out for me as both player and DM. When you have limited time to play, I want to spend it roleplaying, not rolling dice. And that's where 3rd edition ticked me off.

And bloody horrible AoO's. I hate em.

Finally, on the stats thing... I understand your point about how a 17 means you're 1 point closer to an 18, which means only 4 levels to get there. But, that also means that for 4 levels, one of the hardest stat combinations to get, a 17, is still only as good as a 16. And if you have all even numbers, well then that 1 point every four levels is rather worthless until you move up 8 levels.

I like the simplified adjustments (for the most part). They're a lot easier to deal with than a lot of the stuff out of version 2. But there weer certain 2nd edition adjustments that were great. Such as wisdom giving lots of extra spells to clerics (not that the 3rd model is bad) or having your actual weight allowance spelled out for easy reference. They just took too many of my tables away, tables that simplified things for me.

Oh and getting rid of exceptional strength is nothing I'm going to complain about. I liked the bonuses.. but yeah. (xx) can go away.

Now, this isn't to say that 3rd edition is crap, in case anyone thought I said that. It isn't bad, it's just... flawed in my opinion. They made things mroe simple and more complicated at the same time. More dice rolling is bad.
Oh well.. continue on.

P.S.: JPS.. no worries ;)

VH



#168987 Comments on "A Meeting of Like Minds"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 11 November 2004 - 08:16 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Can't think of much to say so I'll have to stick with this

Very moving and emotional
I'm a sap for averted tradedy

View Post


Well, thank you for reading and for taking the time to comment.  And I'm glad that you enjoyed my piece.

VH



#168985 Comments on "A Meeting of Like Minds"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 11 November 2004 - 08:13 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

You know this is one of my favourite stories  (beside the OTHER one *poke poke*) and I'm very happy you decided to continue it.  :D


Well, when you have a tall, powerful, beautiful woman in plate mail weilding a giant sword starts poking you, well, you have to take up the pen again and help her out.  :)

Your paladin is a fascinating character.  The healing sequence and the idea of it is just so very, well...Viga, I guess. ;) 

Bey

View Post


Thanks Bey.  I do like her a lot and I find her character to be most interesting to play with.  Plus, I consider it a good challenge to try and write a good holy knight.  And as to the healing, I guess it is a bit in my idiom, eh? ;)  

And I had to heal him.  I didn't need you coming after me with a pitchfork. :D

VH



#168211 A Meeting of Like Minds

Posted by VigaHrolf on 08 November 2004 - 09:01 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Removed by author for editing.



#154900 3E vs AD&D

Posted by VigaHrolf on 21 September 2004 - 12:49 PM in Delusions of the Mind

Stone Wolf,

I think you hit it on the head. They wanted to take a big franchise and just make it entirely interchangable with their d20 game system they've been pushing. And in doing so, I think lost something very vital and special about AD&D. Yes, it as a game system had its flaws, but those gave it is flavor, much like the White Wolf systems or others...



#154553 3E vs AD&D

Posted by VigaHrolf on 20 September 2004 - 08:59 PM in Delusions of the Mind

There are pros and cons to both systems, but I think I like 2E a bit better for the simplicity of it. Now some may say that I am obviously smoking something, but let me explain.

In 2nd edition, you did have a lot of numbers you had to figure out, like THACO, AC, all the adjustments and saving throws, but once you did that once, you didn't have to calculate so much on the fly. You just rolled the dice. In 3E you have not just regular AC, but Deflection AC, unarmored AC (for certain spells), and all sorts of weird adjustments. Combat, due to all the feats actually becomes more complex, with more calculation and more modifiers. And don't get me started on Attacks of Opportunity. While it makes sense in some cases, the rules don't in others. A lot of these changes were wrought for realism, but really only added more complexity.

And then there is the Hit points and Attack Bonuses situation. You have creatures with 500 hp and a +45 to hit. That means a player's got to be able to dish out some insane amounts of damage.

And finally, the biggest thing was the discounting of stat points. No adjustments and a 16 and a 17 are effectively the same thing. That sucks in my opinion because a 17 is statistically harder to get than a 16 (6+6+5 as opposed to 6+5+5 or 6+6+4) but it doesn't mean anything. So those stat points you get don't mean much either.

Then there are things I'm ambivalent about, such as having to AIM magical attacks. And having to use the native combat bonuses of your spellcaster (which suck) to do so, effectively limiting his usefulness to anything other than buffing spells or magic missile until he's high high level. While it is A LOT more realistic, it add another roll. And no combat action in my opinion should have more than 2 rolls except in special occaisions. Which it now can (to hit, saves, and damage) At least they should have had a spellcaster attack chart, different from the usual one.

Now, there are some things I like, the higher the number the better the AC (but not all the weird situational stacking rules they have now), improving stat numbers over time, a better skill system (but not the skill point distribution or the distribution across classes: like why do priests and mages only get 2 points per level and wh aren't spot and listen, two basic skills if you ask me, not just general??)

As to the flexibility - I don't like the removal of the stat restrictions because it does cheapen the classes some, now anyone can be a pally or a ranger instead of having to roll well enough to be one. The species restrictions don't bother me as much. But this flexibility, this ability to choose usually leads in one way. MASSIVE UBER POWERGAMING. Which I do in CRPG but I absolutely despise in RPG. At least in 2E it was damn hard to get away with it. Now, you can create UU's uber cheese characters and make em legal. 2E you could allow an elven paladin or a gnome mage fighter or a tiefling or anything, but as a DM you could just say no and have the rules back you up. Now, if someone produces a character that is pure mutated powergamer goodness, if you say no, they can whine and complain about how the rules clearly allow them to do it. It's the reason I stopped DMing.

So, some of the cosmetic stuff was pretty dang good. But the core changes they made in my opinion take away a lot of the difficulty and challenge, that is now replaced with overpowered monsters and the like. If I ever do play again, it will probably be a mutated form of the two.

Okay.. I've rambled long enough.



#154549 Comments on 'The Shade'

Posted by VigaHrolf on 20 September 2004 - 08:29 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

An interesting tale of the macabre and haunting spirits, SConrad. You have quite the story there and considering you are ESL, it is very good.

I also think that, while it is good now, you certainly could make it better. Your descriptions could be fleshed out a bit to give us a sense of the size of the house, its decor, how well kept it is and also a basic description of the four unfortunate souls. Also, one little word thing is I think you meant that the English king desecrated the body of this Scotsman, not descended on it.

But it is good. I hope we get to see more. :)

VH



#154165 Comments on "UU's Parodies"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 19 September 2004 - 08:17 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

*comes unblocked and sacks UU for a loss of fifteen*

I knew that duct tape was going to make an appearance, and I figured, knowing your mind, you'd manage to beat me to it. You are truly a madman sir. I can but hope to equal your insanity. B)



#153675 Comments on "A Meeting of Like Minds"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 18 September 2004 - 11:09 AM in Scribbles on the Wall

So demanding, you two.

And I'll be working on it soon, just another story got in the way and is demanding to be written. At some point between fits of playing Fallout 2. Sniper rifle rocks.



#152493 Comments on "A Meeting of Like Minds"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 14 September 2004 - 09:01 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Wow..

I've neglected a few comments here. My apologies to one and all.

Notmrt:

I always enjoy letting people see my madness. Especially without the use of a drill. Unless I get the use the drill. Just not on me.

Bey:

I know you won't. See, but if you make me, I'll HIDE! Hah!

MG: (or should I say, Naughty MG)

The funny thing is, one of my characters, the lovable fuzzball Viga, is actually a dedicated cartographer. One of the character quirks I gave him to go with his wanderlust. I figured it kinda fit.

And as to that little Aerie number... that is kept in a hermetically sealed vault for the safety of those in the region. Their brains might melt.

Kaos:

Thank you. :) And to answer your question, I do in fact intend to finish it. It kind of fell to the wayside as I worked on another project, but your comment actually brought it roaring back out the cobwebs of my mind. No promise on a release date, but it is coming. And also, thank you for the kind words on my action sequences. I work hard on them and I'm glad that they are appreciated. :D :D :D

Thank you one and all.

VH



#152492 Comments on "Danse Macabre"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 14 September 2004 - 08:50 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Seifer,

A great opener piece on Silver Star (which I've only heard snippets about in my modhunting) You get a good sense of her character I think, a good first initial read on something that appears to be a tricky thing to get a handle on. But what was truly stunning in the piece was the pacing and the visuals. The aptly named 'Grateful Dead Chamber Orchestra' and the dancing, the creak fo the grave, the fire worn tree... all very nicely done sir.

I hope to get a chance to see more.

VH

Edit: Correcting names/spellings



#148877 A Hearty Welcome

Posted by VigaHrolf on 02 September 2004 - 03:03 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

The rumors of my disappearance were only slightly exagerated. I think.

Nonetheless, congratulations Bey and welcome to the team. :D



#128524 Comments on "Mind Games"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 09:17 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

MG,

As they say, better late than never. I don't know who they are, but that's what they say. And as such, I will loose my commentary.

First, Viga would like to wave and thank you for the cameo. He was quite pleased.

Seoncd, an excellent piece. The little adventure into the sewers. Dran as Aran, very nice. I had a feeling that there was some connetiong there as the training pace picked up. Some good dialogue.

The twist with the kidnapping was oh so delicious, but it did lack in your usual well honed edge. The pacing of the party doesn't seem to get up to the wham you need for the discovery. A little expansion there, some more with the party and its swirl, some crowd reaction to the preventative... that would probably help it I think.

But overall, an amazing piece of work. I'm glad to see it reach its full circle. :D And I can't wait for the next piece!

VH



#128519 Comments on "Back To His Senses"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 08:34 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Ahhh.. another piece of the story about my favorite ranger and Ladies' Man, one Valygar Corthala.

And its quite a piece, and quite a rework.  A most impressive improvement.  Which is a lot of I words, but hey, I like em.  They're... interesting! :D ;)

I like the Mazzy Valygar scene very much.. it really adds a lot of flavor to the dilemmas and makes it seem all that more real.

And the Tolgerias battle.  Verrrrry nice.  Very.  A nice calculating villain and hey, something from his sidekick!  Always a fine and fun thing.

Kudos and glad to see it back!

VH



#128518 Comments on "A Meeting of Like Minds"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 08:30 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Goodness!!! 

I supressed the fact that this was a cliffhanger!  :blink:


Repressed memories are bad. I suggest that you start drinking heavily. Works for me! :D

Please!  Don't make us wait for long!  I want to know where you go from here! 


A few hints. Its not Bermuda. And its not the French Riviera. But it should hopefully be quite interesting.

Like Minds is a wonderful piece of writing. 

Bey


:wub: :D Now you're making me blush. Stop that!


PS: Anti-depressants came in quite handy, by the way!  Thanks, MG! ;)


Ahh.. nix the drinking.. you got better stuff! :D



#128516 Comments on "A Meeting of Like Minds"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 08:24 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Hi, VH...  :D

Unfortunately, this wonderful third episode was somewhat overshadowed.  Great addition, VH, and your close on Chapter III has all of us yelling in unison with Jaheira...

?Damn you Valygar! Fight!? she screamed, tears carving furrows in the soot that caked her face. Valygar?s eyelids sank shut and his breathing became shallower and slower. Looking behind her to where Aleria crouched, she shouted at the top of her lungs, ?Aleria!! Valygar, he?s dying!! I need your help!!?


I will admit, it is a bit overshadowed, but I needed some sort of exterior cut, and this seemed to be the way to set up the next chapter. It is a bit of a shocker, to switch from the etheral to the real.. but I hope with CH 4 it will all come together.

You're such a snot..  Keeping us hanging like this.  AAARRRRGGGGGG..........  I've already had to give Bey at least a couple of anti-depressants to keep her on her feet until you drag us back from the precipice of this cliff hanger.  A couple of turnips and a couple of raspberries for you, dear lad..  :turnip2:  :turnip:  :P  :P

MG


MMMM.. raspberries. (Hands the turnips to Jan)

And I know I've kept you all hanging, but I promise a resolution in the near future. I just need to finish the chapter of another story of mine that has long been neglected. (A few acquaintances of ours are threatening me with sharpened spoons and rotten turnips, so, you know, I'm kinda stuck)

Thanks for reading!

VH



#128515 Comments on "Time to make Morninglory blush... "

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 08:20 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Bwahahahahahahaa!!!!

Thou art truly a servant of the dark one my friend.  :D :D :D

Another inspired piece... if only I could maintain that kind of creativity for more than a stanza.  I am in awe UU

VH



#128514 Comments on "UU's Parodies"

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 08:18 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

UU,

After watching my boys blow another game, there isn't anythign quite so soothing to my twisted soul as to read a few UU songs.  (And to sing along.)

(My wife thinks I'm crazy)

(She's right.)

(Course, she knew that and married me, so hey, who's the crazy one!)

As per the usual, MORE.  And oh..

Just in case you need some inspiration.

Jan in a Turnip Named Desire. :D :D



#128513 Got a Question?

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 08:14 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Plasmocat,

Hello and welcome. Have a drink, its on the house. And remember, if you're only going to have one drink, have it after another.

As to your question, we run a very loose ship around here. And we carry a lot of insurance in case we run aground. Which happens around here every once and a while. (It's a good thing this isn't an oil tanker huh?)

But in all seriousness (which I hope we never actually acheive), feel free to be free form about it, provided it follows the simple rules we have listed. So, if you want to write a story about Captain Anomen Deryln of the USS Excelsior or just a very different perspective, feel free. Experiment. Have fun.

For that is what is important, is it not?

And if this makes no sense, feel free to PM me. :D

Good luck and happy writing!

VH



#128512 Pirengle's Guide to FanFic

Posted by VigaHrolf on 01 July 2004 - 08:08 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

Moderators, (Sorry moderators.) are not Gods,


This is actually an untrue statement. Well at least partially untrue. I am, in fact, a god. I am VigaHrolf, God of Paperclips.

(Note: I did not say I was a powerful or important god. Just that I was.)

I have never heard a moderator claim to be perfect. (Although, of course, they are perfect beings.)


This is not entirely true. I am almost perfect. I am only lacking the ability to sleep at work and appear to be productive. Once I acquire this skill, I will, in fact, be perfect.

And for the low low fee of 999 dollars, I will teach anyone else who would be interested in learning this most valuable skill.

Thank you! I'll be here all week! Try the nachos!

VH



#127870 Og cavman big writting guide

Posted by VigaHrolf on 29 June 2004 - 08:44 PM in Scribbles on the Wall

I believe the big furry pig that Og refers to is a wolf. Because he named it woolf. :D

But I must say, I do love Og's style and delivery.

VH like OG story!
VH buy Og drink!

:D

LOL

VH