Adventure in the Spires

[Yesman]

What seemed to be just another standard XP run turned out into a very enjoyable, RP-heavy expedition. I don't often find players who can enjoy a much slower pace than usual, so this was doubly appreciate. We all seemed intent on trying to notice the details the dated engine can't portray, and flesh out in writing things that are very mechanically simple, such as rope climbing. I thought that the rhythm might pick up (in a bad way) once we reached the Manor, in favor of a quick XP run, but was pleasantly surprised to find out it continued to be calm and, I think, with a good bit of writing attached to every encounter. I didn't feel that impatient undertone of wanting to hurry to the next mob. Considering we were 6-7, I honestly imagined things to turn out differently.

Even the ending held another unexpected turn, where accidental friendly fire and a misclick led us to even more, very enjoyable RP that will likely stick with the characters involved for a while to come. We could have just shrugged it off, understanding that it was a player accident, but it was instead leveraged for some very tense development.

We also had a varied enough cast to make the party really colorful, but in a believable way. Leonard was chivalrous as ever, the veteran who led with experience but didn't let it turn him into a callous man. It didn't help prevent tension between himself and Richard, whose mistrust only grew throughout the journey. I think that was particularly impressive - being mistrustful in a way that lends itself to the RP rather than stifle it is something I feel is really tough. The suspicions themselves could have easily turned into something comical, but that would have undermined the moment, and instead they seemed to grow in a convincing way. Adelia and Shallan felt like a great pair - they stuck a lot together, while being quite different. The one a brusque and no-bullshit, hardened warrior, the other a more kind-hearted and positive adventurer. And both players felt comfortable to display their characters in a weakened state, something I need to remind myself to do more with my own. And lastly there was Tiernan, a decrepit and jaded mage who can get under anyone's skin (probably did) and was a necessary balancing force to Shallan's jolliness. Shame that Edrahil had to leave early.

So thanks guys. I had a really good time. Reminded me of my first adventures with Uriah when it felt as if I had all the time in the world to write about traversing through dank caves and frothing orcs.

[Rodent]

I do not have the ability to be quite as effusive and verbose in my appreciation, but I second your thoughts and really enjoyed the RP! Good play from all sides.

[Aodh Lazuli]

For the short time I was there, it was an absolute blast. A shame I missed the implosion. I heard the story...