Pace is what keeps a game going in PbP. I don't think that it is fair to take all the blame on yourself. This is a collaborative game and everyone involved bears some responsibility for keeping it alive. Anyway, thanks for running this game for us.

While it certainly shouldn't have taken me so long to make such a simple response, I will note that it wasn't much more than a week since the May 9th post. So it is roughly in keeping with your once a week standard. I didn't respond to your detect evil post because I was going to address that in my next IC post. Starhawk asked a question about what he should roll, so I wanted to give him that info so he could make his knowledge roll and then I could do my IC post. I guess I tend toward quality over quantity. I do take care in my posts and, for my part, I have been a bit disappointed with the rather short, disengaged responses. I know that's my fault, as the GM, for not posting often enough to keep people engaged, whether or not the posts are good. Of course the Once Upon a Time in the Greenbelt game is much slower than this one and, in my opinion, with lower quality posts from the GM, but no one has quit or gotten upset. But I'm not trying to defend myself, I know that my posting rate is inadequate. I wish I could commit to once a week, but while I aim for that I really don't think I could stick with it consistently. I'm sorry I wasn't able to keep this game fun and interesting for everyone. This was my first time GMing a "normal" game (i.e. not the arena), not an excuse, but just an admission that maybe I'm not cut out to be a GM.

Just get a bunch of javelins, spears, bombs, etc.

I just need to move slower. Got my ass kicked last time for going in alone.

That isn't what I was asking at all. I don't want to you to nerf your character.

Yeah, I went with a melee character who is quick on snow. I'll slow down to keep you involved.

No, but having a Druid in the party who could cast longstrider would be useful. Getting hold of mounts would help too.

Would you like to change your character? 

I get frustrated when a game is this slow. PbP is slow anyway but the post the other day... ...made no sense to me at all. I had to look back in character for when the question was asked. It was the 9th May and only one post behind the latest one. I'd simply forgotten all about it. The 10th May I detected evil and there's no response to that. I think redshirt is a player who is quite passive and expects to be prompted rather that being proactive. That's fine in and of itself if the GM is going to do the prompting. My attitude to this game is that it is dead but every now and then there's a death rattle that elicits a response. It could be revived but it would need fresh blood and active participation from GM and players. In addition I have a melee based character who is woefully inadequate in melee. I can't even reach combat before it's over. This is my fault because I've chosen someone who moves slowly 🐌 in an environment where speed is reduced by the environment. I'm relegated to the position of third class healer, which is frustrating in itself. Equipment would mitigate this but we can't get hold of any. I've leaned into the healer role and taken a mercy that helps our barbarian, who has now left, so I feel that was a waste. If we are ever outmatched and are forced to retreat Bercilak has no option but to hold the line while everyone else escapes, assuming I've even reached the fight at that point. In short I have a character that is frustrating to play in a frustratingly slow game. The one saving grace I have is that I don't need to put any thought into it. I am simply reacting to posts now. I have become as passive a player as redshift because I am no longer invested in play. I know how harsh that sounds but it is the truth. I'm not willing to recruit to Wrath of the Righteous because of the slow posting rate. I don't want to have another player get frustrated and drop out. I don't think it's fair on them.  If you want to keep this game going then I think you need to commit to one GM post a week. Just say, I'll update in Friday morning (or whatever) and then do it. Stick an alarm on your phone to spend half an hour on this game. If players haven't posted then they don't get to act. Unless you can make that commitment then don't recruit and let the game die. If you're going to recruit then be honest about it and tell players that this is a push to keep the game alive. It is a collaborative game and needs constant input from players and GM to work. It isn't on one player to make that decision.

I have a busy life so the pacing is not an issue for me. I'd like to keep going. Maybe we can recruit to fill the vacancies?

Sorry to hear that, but I understand.    What does everyone think?  We lost our rogue/bard, redshirt has one post in 5 months, and now Francis is leaving.  That leaves @Starhawk and @hoverfrog as active players.  I admit that my heart isn't in this game either, but I took it on as part of the AP swap a while back, mostly because I was excited about doing a western-themed Kingmaker campaign.  That game (believe it or not) is much slower than this one, but Hover's Wrath of the Righteous game is still going strong (and awesome).  I don't know if any other games from the AP swap are still going (or ever got started).  I am leaning toward scrapping this game, but I think it is probably up to Hover as he is very much holding up his end of the deal.  I may be super slow bordering on negligent, but I'm a man of my word.  I promised to do my part in this swap, so if Hover wants me to recruit new players and continue I will do so. 

Guys, I'm sorry, I am dropping out. I tried to convince myself to hold on, but I simply don't have any more enjoyment in this game. I wish all of you the best, and hope to see you around. Thank you Ozzy for having me in your game. Good luck, everyone.

@Starhawk She is fey. 

Bercilak Verde, level 3 human paladin of Iomedae HP: 27/27, AC: 20, tAC: 10, ffAC: 20, CMD: 15, Init +0, Perception +0 "What inspired such verse?" Bercilak asks, examining the woman for any aura of evil. Actions Detect Evil Lay on hands removes Fatigued condition Loot

Nymph ......... AC19 HP 11/26 Half Elf Ranger (Divine Tracker) NG HP 26/26 Speed 30 ft Init 2 AC 19 Fort 5 Ref 5 Will 2 CMB +8 BAB 3 Fauchard +8 Power/+9 CMB (1d10+10, 18-20/x2) Cestus +8 Power (1d4+5, 19-20/x2) Chakram +5 (1d8+5, x2) Ammentum Javelin +5 (1d6+5, x2) Str 20 (+5) Dex 14 (+2) Con 12(+1)  Wis 13 (+1) Int 10 (+0) Cha 10 (+0)  Nymph, well aware that her grim, pragmatic, remorseless character had little time for poetry offers up a tight little smile as the poem comes to an end. She glances at Dakmoor as the big berserker engages the newcomer in conversation. Quietly she wondered exactly what Mierul was.  Knowledge RollWhat knowledge roll should I use and is Mierul fey? 

Dakmoor the Fierce, Human Legendary Barbarian Dakmoor enjoys the warmth of the fire and is entertained by the newcomer's poem. After his hearty applause, Dakmoor cannot help but add on, "And that is why fair maidens shouldn't go out adventuring on their lonesome! Now Mierul Ardelain, from where dost thou hail?"   Stats Character: Sheet, Thread, Roll20 HP: 20/24 Conditions: Hands: Axe Initiative: +2 Perception: +4 AC: 16 (-2 rage) Flat: 14 (-2 rage) Touch: 12 (-2 rage) CMD: 20 (-2 rage) FCMD: 18 (-2 rage) +2 against grapple always triggers AoO Fort: +6 Ref: +3 Will: +1 (+3 rage) +9 against the cold +4 fear in rage Cold Resist: 2 Grapple: +11 (+3 rage) Grapple Chart Intimidate: +12 Attack mod: +9 (+3 rage) STR 5 BAB 3 MW 1 Trait 1 Power -1 Damage mod: +10 (+3 rage) STR 5 Power 2 Two-Hands 2 Two-Hand Power 1  

The Snows of Summer Land of the White Witches     "That was a smart move," Nadya said to Marya, "I wish I had done the same." The afternoon passed quickly as the weather intensified and everyone focused on finishing the camp as quickly as possible.  Nadya and her crew cleared out some bare rock that had mostly been spared the falling snow by the outcropping to serve as their fire pit.  They unloaded some dry firewood from one of the sleds and made a fire next to the rock wall.  The heat from the fire reflected off the rock and made the whole area quite cozy despite the blizzard raging around them.  They put together a basic, but hearty meal.  The group had just settled down to partake when you hear a call from out in the storm, "Hello travelers!" Nadya jumped up, clearly startled by the unexpected visitor approaching the camp.  You all turn to see a tall blue-skinned woman with a hairless body, bare goat legs, and a horned head. With a cheerful tone of voice the woman said, "Now now, no need for alarm, I am Mierul Ardelain, I was just passing through when I spotted your fire.  I'd much appreciate a bit of hospitality with this brutal storm bearing down." The men look to Nadya, who seems a bit uneasy about the sudden appearance of the guest nevertheless agrees to let her stay and share their food and shelter.  Mierul sits well away from the fire as she joins the evening meal.  "I much appreciate the welcome, strangers," she said, "I'm afraid I have no food to share, but I'm happy to provide some entertainment to lift spirits after what must have been a brutal trek." She nods at Wuldnar, who lay still near the fire, color finally returning to his cheeks.  "There are indeed dangers to be found out here in the wilderness, even for those that seem as well prepared - and numerous - as you all...  I'm grateful you have taken me in.  Safety in numbers, and all that," she said.  "Ah well," she said, "what be your taste?  A song or a poem?  I am adept at many an instrument." "A poem would suit us fine, thank you," said Nadya, cordially. "Very well, a poem it is," said Mierul, and then in a sing-songy voice, she began her tale: "In the frosty land of faeries and elves, Anya, a fair maiden, fearless and bold, Set forth on an errand, an odyssey of old. Beyond the burgh and the bower, Through the brume and the brier, She ventured, to where the sorcerer's keep stood higher. The sorcerer, a scourge of the sky, A black-hearted wizard, wicked and sly, Had stolen the queen of the faeries, and Anya's fate was nigh. But Anya, dauntless and daring, Defied the counsel of the wise and the wary, And waged war on the sorcerer, with a heart that was unwary. Yet, the sorcerer was no mere mortal, A master of spells, an enchanter immortal, And Anya, alas, was ensnared in his portal. She met a sage, a wizened old man, Who warned her of the sorcerer's plan, But Anya, heedless, pressed on, and met her doom in the sorcerer's hand. Her fate was a warning, a tale of woe, To all who would dare to disobey and go, Against the will of authority, and the wisdom that they bestow."   6:31 pm Severe Cold and Medium snow Fireday (Friday), the 28th of Sarenith (June), 4713 AR (Absalom Reckoning) Status/Combat Tracker/OOC CONDITIONS Bercilak Verde | Sheet | Profile AC: 20 | HP: 27undefined/27| Spd: 15 feet HP Tracking: Marya Morevna | Sheet | Profile AC: 12 | HP: 17/18| Spd: 15 feet HP Tracking: -1 from mephit cold breath, Kylor Bryze | Sheet | Profile AC: 17 | HP: 10/16 | Spd: 15 feet HP Tracking: -3 EagleR6, -6 EagleR7, +3 LoH Bercilak Nymph | Sheet | Profile AC: 16 | HP: 11/26| Spd: 20 feet HP Tracking: -5 doll, +2 CLW wand, +2 hp sleep, -4 eagle, -4 EagleR6, +3 LoH Bercilak, +6 CLW wand, -17 Mantis, +5 Bercilak Grappled: Can't move, -4 DEX, -2 attack, no AoO Dakmoor the Fierce| Sheet | Profile AC: 16 | HP: 30/34| Spd: 20 feet HP Tracking: +4 temp hp from rage, -9 hp from frost fir, -1 from fire, +5 CLW wand, -10 from Chill Metal, +8 CLW wand, +2 hp sleep, -7 from Teb Knotten, -1 from Sprite, -1 eagle, +6 LoH Bercilak OOC NOTE   Remember the Loot Sheet. ENVIRONMENTAL SEVERE COLD In conditions of severe cold or exposure (below 0° F), an unprotected character must attempt a Fortitude save once every 10 minutes (DC 15, +1 per previous check), taking 1d6 points of nonlethal damage on each failed save. A character who has the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well. Characters wearing a cold weather outfit only need check once per hour for cold and exposure damage. A character who takes any nonlethal damage from cold or exposure is beset by frostbite or hypothermia (treat her as fatigued). These penalties end when the character recovers the nonlethal damage she took from the cold and exposure. SNOW, MEDIUM Unless you have special snow movement powers, movement speed is halved (see here) and you cannot run, charge or take 5 ft steps. Also, -4 penalty on perception and ranged attacks. Initiative     Combat Map Join the Roll20 map here

Marya Morevna, level 3 human wizard HP: 18/18, AC: 12, tAC: 10, ffAC: 10, CMD: 12, Init +2, Perception +3 Marya's ordinarily pale face goes even paler as she frantically looks around the camp. Finally, she answers. "I was born in Irrisen, yes. But I left when I was sixteen."  

Aaand I also need to level up I think.

All right...now to figure out how to get my post looking all...fancy like.

@theredshirtwholiveI will make an IC post on Monday.  So if you want a chance to respond to Nadia, get something up before then or I'll move on to the next scene.

  If you're ready to get back to it, I've set you up quite directly in the IC thread.  You can get a response up.

So, uh. Hi. I'm...very sorry for my absence. I did indeed have a lot of trouble with the switch to Baldr, especially post formatting/dice rolling. On top of that, I've been job hunting for the last month. But, uh, I'm starting to straighten out my life, and I'm ready to get back to it if you'll have me. I completely understand if you'd rather find someone more reliable.

I wish I could point the finger at her absence for the abysmal two GM updates a month, but... that's probably just my own fault.  I could also point the finger at the usual list of excuses (big annual work conference last month, daycare closed, wife leaving on a work trip tomorrow..), but I know that if those things weren't happening it'd be something else.  I'm just really slow.  The middle of the Venn diagram between having energy/interest to post and having time to post is unfortunately quite small.  I did warn you all at the outset that I'm rather slow, but posting once or twice a month is still slower than I expected.  😞 I understand that the pace of the game makes it hard to maintain interest.  I'm sorry. 😞  I don't think I can honestly promise that the pace will improve, but if you all want to keep at it I'd be happy to look for some fresh blood to replace redshirt and wolf. 

With regret, I concur.